Environment
Department of Trade and Investment
19 April 2013
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report Oil and Gas Licensing in the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland (Belfast and Larne Loughs)
Prepared by:
............................................................. Mary Maguire Senior Environmental Scientist
Approved by:
Checked by:
..................... Iain Bell Regional Director
.......... Basit Khan Director
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report Oil and Gas Licensing in the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland (Belfast and Larne Loughs) Rev No
1 2 3
Comments DRAFT nd 2 Draft. Initial comments from Steering Group rd 3 Draft with DETI comments Final Scoping Report
Checked by MM MM MM MM
Approved by IB IB IB
Date 26.02.2013 28.03.2013 05.04.2013 19.04.2013
9th Floor, The Clarence West Building, 2 Clarence Street West, Belfast, BT2 7GP Telephone: 028 9060 7200 Website: http://www.aecom.com Job No 60282451
Reference Scoping
Date Created Mar 2013
This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited for the sole use of our client (the “Client”) and in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of reference agreed between AECOM Limited and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM Limited, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM Limited. f:\proposals\submissions\2012\oil and gas sea\scoping report\submitted to deti\scoping report - 23042013.doc
Table of Contents
1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2
Overview of the Oil and Gas Licensing Plan .................................................................................................................. 8
3
Policy Context ................................................................................................................................................................. 19
4
SEA Approach and Method ............................................................................................................................................ 28
5
Baseline Data ................................................................................................................................................................... 38
6
Potential Environmental Effects .................................................................................................................................... 72
7
Data Gaps ........................................................................................................................................................................ 75
8
Scoping Questions.......................................................................................................................................................... 79
Appendix A: Legislation and Policy Context ............................................................................................................................. 83 Appendix B: References .............................................................................................................................................................. 99 Appendix C: Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................ 101
Oil and Gas Licensing in the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland (Belfast and Larne Loughs)
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1
Introduction
1.1
Introduction This Scoping Report has been prepared as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the licensing of petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities in the internal waters around the coast of Northern Ireland. Within the petroleum licensing context, the area for licensing is defined within section 11 of the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, which reads: Amendment of the 1964 Act 11. In section 1 of the 1964 Act for subsection (4) substitute – “(4) In subsection (1) “strata in Northern Ireland” includes strata beneath the internal waters adjacent to Northern Ireland, but does not include strata beneath the territorial sea of the United Kingdom adjacent to Northern Ireland.”. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) is currently developing a licensing plan for petroleum exploration in the internal loughs around the coast of Northern Ireland and has appointed AECOM to undertake an SEA. The SEA will assess the potential for environmental effects arising from the implementation of the plan. As a result of the change in section 11 of the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, DETI have scope to vest and licence petroleum exploration within Dundrum Bay and Strangford Lough. However, DETI have made the decision to only extend licensing to Belfast Lough and Larne Lough. Loughs Foyle and Carlingford are also excluded from this Plan. In the context of this report, the phrase “internal waters” is used throughout and its definition is based on the legislative understanding, that the “internal waters” of Northern Ireland are those waters which Northern Ireland has control of and are not under United Kingdom control. To this end, the phrase “internal waters” is not used in the context of Loughs Neagh and Erne or any of the other freshwater bodies within the border of Northern Ireland. The results of the SEA will be used to inform the development and implementation of the Plan. The Plan area has been defined as being from the high water mark of each water body to the bay closing line (plan areas are shown on Figures 1a and 1b, these will be refined as required as part of the Plan preparation). For the SEA, this area will be used as a basis for information gathering; however the effects of the Plan will extend beyond this area.
1.2
Focus for this Scoping Report This Scoping Report has been prepared for the purpose of consultation on the proposed scope of the SEA. It: •
Sets out the context for the SEA, explaining the need for SEA and its objectives.
•
Identifies the key topics that will be assessed in the SEA.
•
Identifies the key sources of baseline data and information that will be reviewed as part of the assessment.
•
Sets out the approach and methods that will be used to assess the likely environmental effects of petroleum exploration in Belfast and Larne Loughs.
All responses to this Scoping Report will be taken into account when carrying out the assessment, developing the Plan and preparing the Environmental Report. Questions have been included in Chapter 8 to help focus and structure responses.
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1.3
Licensing for Petroleum Exploration and Extraction on Internal Waters: Loughs in Northern Ireland – Key Facts Name of Responsible Authority Title of Plan What Prompted the Plan
Subject Period Covered
Geographical Area Covered Contact Point
1.4
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Petroleum licensing for Internal Waters (Belfast and Larne Loughs) in Northern Ireland The Strategic Energy Framework 2010 for Northern Ireland recognises that Northern Ireland will remain largely dependent on imported fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. By licensing the internal waters of Northern Ireland for petroleum exploration and development, the potential exists to enhance security of supply as well as attracting inward investment, creating employment and generating tax revenue. Licensing of petroleum exploration and development within Belfast and Larne Loughs. A petroleum licence will last for an initial term of up to five years, with the potential for a second period of five years and a production term of twenty or more years, from the date(s) on which a licence is granted. An ‘open door’ licensing system would come into operation following the publication of a notice in the Official journal of the EU advertising the availability of the areas for licensing. Belfast Lough / Larne Lough John White Minerals & Petroleum Branch Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Colby House, Stranmillis Court Belfast BT9 5BF
Relationship between the SEA and Licensing Plan The ultimate deliverable is a final Licensing Plan (the ‘Plan’) which will be adopted by DETI. SEA is not a deliverable in itself; it is a process for informing the Plan as it develops. The SEA will identify the potential environmental effects of the Plan at different stages, allowing these effects to be addressed as appropriate. Please note that the SEA will not dictate how the Plan progresses; instead it will provide information on environmental effects for the plan-maker (DETI), who will then decide how to act upon that information. Information on the predicted environmental effects will also be made available for the public to view during public consultation.
1.5
SEA Legislation and the Requirement for this SEA
1.5.1
SEA Legislation The process of SEA was introduced under the European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘the assessment of certain plans and programmes on the environment’, commonly referred to as the SEA Directive. The Directive was transposed into domestic law in Northern Ireland through the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 280/2004). The objectives of the SEA Directive, as set out in Article 1, are “to provide a high level of protection to the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development”’. These objectives have been integrated into the Northern Ireland Regulations.
1.5.2
The Requirement for this SEA Under Northern Ireland Regulations, an SEA is required for plans and programmes which: • •
Are likely to have significant environmental effects. Are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use, and which sets the framework
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for future development consent of projects requiring an EIA or an ‘appropriate assessment’ in accordance to the Habitats Directive and •
Are subject to preparation and/or adoption by an authority at national, regional or local level or which are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government, and which are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions.
It has been determined that this SEA is required for the following reasons: •
The Plan will be prepared for energy related development.
•
The Plan will contain policies and proposals which could potentially give rise to significant environmental effects.
•
The Plan is being prepared by Northern Ireland Government (DETI) for adoption at a national level.
1.6
Strategic Environmental Assessment
1.6.1
How the SEA will Inform the Plan Ultimately the focus of this SEA is to identify how future licensing of petroleum exploration, production and eventual decommissioning could affect the environment of Northern Ireland. The results of the SEA will then be used to help DETI understand the environmental implications of the Plan and to influence its implementation. The Plan is being developed in parallel to the SEA (see indicative timescales in Section 1.7 below). The SEA process will assess the different alternatives considered for inclusion within the Plan. Following the selection of a preferred option(s), a draft Plan will be subject to environmental assessment, which will include the development of mitigation measures to avoid, reduce and offset environmental effects. These measures will be incorporated within the Plan itself. When a Draft Plan has been prepared, it will be published for a period of consultation with the public and all other stakeholders. The Environmental Report, which sets out the findings of the SEA, will be published with the Draft Plan. This will allow consultees to comment on the Draft Plan, in the knowledge of its predicted environmental effects. All comments on the Draft Plan and Environmental Report will be taken into account in the development of the final adopted Plan. This iterative process is summarised in Illustration 1.1, which highlights the key stages where the SEA process interacts with the development of the Plan.
1.6.2
Key Stages in the SEA Process There are five key stages in the SEA process, which are underpinned by the afore-mentioned SEA legislation. These stages are reflected in the UK guidance note on SEA ‘A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive’ (ODPM 2005), which was prepared jointly by the former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department of Communities and Local Government), the former Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government), the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of the Environment (DoE) in Northern Ireland. The guidance note presents the key stages as follows: •
Stage A – Setting the context, establishing the baseline and defining the scope.
•
Stage B – Developing and refining strategic alternatives and assessing effects.
•
Stage C – Preparing the Environmental Report.
•
Stage D – Consulting on the Environmental Report.
•
Stage E – Monitoring implementation of the Plan.
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The requirements for each stage are summarised in Table 1.1 below: Table 1.1: Stages in SEA Process SEA Stage Stage A : Setting the Context, Establishing the Baseline and Deciding the Scope
Description - Proposal of SEA objectives - N.B. This SEA proposes to focus the assessment on the individual SEA topics defined by the SEA Directive and key subject areas relating to those topics e.g. European protected species and designated sites, rather than developing specific SEA objectives. Further explanation relating to the use of SEA topics as opposed to SEA objectives is provided in Chapter 5, section 5.4.3. - Identification/collection of baseline data - Identification of key environmental issues/problems - Identification of relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives - Development of a method for assessing potential environmental effects - Consultation with statutory authorities with environmental responsibilities on scope of SEA (i.e. Department of Environment (DoE) for Northern Ireland)
Stage B : Developing Strategic Alternatives and Assessing Effects
-
Stage C : Preparing the Environmental Report Stage D : Consulting and Decision Making
- Presentation of the findings of the SEA in an Environmental Report.
Stage E : Monitoring Implementation of the Plan
- Monitoring of the environmental effects of the Plan throughout the period if its implementation - Responding to adverse effects.
Identification and refinement of strategic alternatives Assessment of alternatives under consideration Identification of the likely environmental effects of the Plan Use significance criteria to evaluate the predicted effects Outlining of the potential measures to mitigate environmental effects Proposal of measures to monitor the environmental effects throughout the implementation of the Plan
- Consultation with the public, community groups, authorities with environmental responsibilities (e.g. DoE (NI), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), Department for Regional Development (DRD), Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), plus other key stakeholders, industry and academics - Incorporation of comments received from consultation and findings of the Environmental Report into the Plan - Assessment of any significant changes to the Plan - Issuing a ‘statement’ (SEA Post-Adoption Statement) of how the findings of the SEA and responses from consultation were incorporated into the Plan
Using the stages identified in the table above, Illustration 1.1 following highlights the key stages where the SEA process interacts with the development of the Plan.
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Illustration 1.1: SEA and Plan Development Process
Plan Making Process
SEA Process
Scoping, Scoping Report and Consultation
Initial Plan Development
Assessment of Options
Options Development
Initial Assessment of Plan
Initial Draft Plan
Final Assessment of Plan and Preparation of Environmental Report
Finalised Draft Plan (autumn 2013)
Public Consultation on Draft Plan and Environmental Report
Post-Adoption SEA Statement
Review of Responses, Preparation of Adopted Plan (winter 2013)
Further details regarding the method proposed for carrying out the environmental assessment are presented in Chapter 4.
1.6.3
Transboundary Considerations Proposals within the Plan will be limited to the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland and as a result there will be no development close to the border as a result of the Plan. It will therefore not be necessary for the SEA to consider potential transboundary effects.
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1.7
Indicative Timescales for the Plan and SEA It is intended that the Draft Plan and Environmental Report will be issued in autumn 2013 for consultation with key stakeholders, organisations, other interested parties and members of the public. We propose that this consultation is for a period of 12 weeks. During this time consultees will have an opportunity to comment on, and influence, the content of the Plan. The consultation will be followed by a period of review prior to adoption of the final Plan in winter 2013. An SEA Statement will be published following the adoption of the Plan. This will set out how the findings from the SEA and comments from consultation have been integrated into the final adopted Plan.
1.8
Study Limitations The scope of this SEA will be defined by the content and objectives of the Plan, the requirements of the SEA Regulations /Directive, good practice guidance and responses from consultees. Specific items of general concern or interest to a wider group of stakeholders may not be within the remit of this SEA. Some of these specific items are given in Table 1.2. Table 1.2: Study Limitations Inside the Study Scope The SEA will assess the potential significant
Outside the Study Scope The SEA will not assess potential socio-economic effects or
environmental effects of the Plan within the agreed
provide cost-benefit analysis. Socio-economic effects will
plan area.
however have a strong influence on the development of the Plan, as will feasibility, demand, commercial viability and national policy.
The SEA will include cumulative effects with other
The SEA will not assess the effects of other petroleum activities
developments in the plan area and identify potential
in other areas of Northern Ireland including Dundrum Bay and
policy conflicts.
Strangford Lough.
The SEA will inform the development and
The SEA will not dictate the content of the Plan.
implementation of the Plan by identifying likely significant adverse effects and identifying ways in which they can be mitigated. . Potential environmental effects will be identified at a
Environmental effects will not be identified at a project specific
strategic level only, reflecting the strategic nature of
level.
the Plan. The SEA will provide baseline information pertinent to At present no specific survey work is proposed as it is the strategic issues associated with the development
considered inappropriate for an assessment at this level.
of petroleum exploration, production and eventual
The SEA does not replace the need for developers to collect
decommissioning in and around Belfast and Larne
detailed project specific baseline data that would be required
Loughs.
when undertaking detailed environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
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Inside the Study Scope The SEA will help indicate areas where there may be
Outside the Study Scope The Plan and SEA will not define locations where future
less likelihood of adverse effects and therefore
petroleum exploration, production and eventual
opportunities for development, or where
decommissioning should occur within the plan area. Similarly,
environmental constraints may restrict development.
no preferences for certain technologies will be stated. The development of petroleum exploration and production will be market-led and future developments will be taken forward as individual schemes in the context of existing planning policy and guidance.
Supporting infrastructure required for petroleum
Export pipeline infrastructure associated with petroleum
development (roads, power etc) will be taken into
development will not be addressed by this study.
account in the assessment.
1.9
Screening For Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) A formal screening exercise will be undertaken to determine whether the Plan should be subject to an Appropriate Assessment (AA). An AA will be required if it is identified that the Plan is likely to have a significant adverse effect on any Natura 2000 sites (Special Protection Areas (SPA) or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as designated under the European Habitats Directive. This screening exercise will be undertaken when more information is known about the forthcoming Plan, enabling a judgement to be taken regarding its likely effect on these sites.
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2
Overview of the Oil and Gas Licensing Plan
2.1
Introduction This chapter sets the context of the Plan for the licensing of petroleum exploration in internal waters in Northern Ireland and provides an overview of its proposed content and structure. Further information on the wider legislation and policy framework with the Plan sits is provided in Chapter 3.
2.2
Overview of Petroleum Exploration, Production and Decommissioning Processes Oil and gas exploration and production processes can be classified into four main stages: •
Exploration (exploration, surveying and exploration drilling).
•
Appraisal.
•
Field development and production.
•
Site abandonment/decommissioning.
The sections below provide a brief description of each of the above stages.
2.2.1
Exploration Exploration involves the search for rock formations associated with oil or natural gas deposits. These activities are generally undertaken in two distinct stages, geophysical prospecting and exploratory drilling. Geophysical Prospecting An initial desktop study and a review of available geological maps are carried out to identify areas with favourable geological conditions (i.e. potential presence of hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations). After the potential areas of interest are selected, geophysical surveys are conducted and measurements performed in order to obtain a precise evaluation of the subsurface formations. A seismic survey is the most common assessment method used for identifying geological structures and relies on the differing reflective properties of sound waves in various rock strata, beneath terrestrial or oceanic surfaces. For prospecting within the plan area, it is expected that most measurements will be made using a survey ship, although there may be scope for the use of seismic receivers (hydrophones) positioned on the bed of the loughs under certain circumstances. During a seismic survey, an energy source is used to transmit a pulse of acoustic energy into the earth’s surface that travels as a wave into the substrate. The energy source typically used in offshore seismic surveys is the air gun, which releases blasts of compressed air. At each point where rocks with different geological characteristics meet, a part of the energy is transmitted down to deeper layers, while the remainder is reflected back to the surface where it is picked up by a series of underwater receivers (hydrophones). The elapsed time between reflection/refraction of the shock wave and the receipt of the echo is used to determine the depth of the reflecting substratum. The received signals are transmitted to a mobile laboratory (ship in case of offshore), where they are amplified, filtered, digitised and recorded for interpretation. Most recent technologies allow for 3D and 4D seismic surveys, 3D surveys differentiate changes in the subsurface through seismic pulses taken at one time and 4D surveys use seismic pulses taken at two different times. Through these techniques three-dimensional and four-dimensional images of the oceanic substrata can be produced. Other geophysical survey techniques include magnetometric surveys, aerial photogrammetric surveys, gravimetric surveys, radiographic surveys, and stratigraphic surveys (UNEP, 1997). Exploration Drilling Following the analysis of geological data and geophysical survey results, exploratory wells are drilled in the areas where the surveys and measurements have indicated the potential presence of geological formations which may contain
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hydrocarbons. Exploratory wells are drilled to determine whether or not oil or gas is actually present and to define the thickness and internal pressure of the potential reservoir. As a result, it is possible to determine whether oil or gas is available and obtainable in commercially viable quantities. The location of exploratory drilling sites depends on the characteristics of the underlying geological formations and the near surface environment. Directional drilling techniques can often be used to test a subsurface target from a horizontally distant surface location in cases where the surface location vertically above the target is unsuitable for environmental, logistical or technological reasons. Exploratory wells that are drilled to discover hydrocarbons in areas where hydrocarbons have not been previously found are called wildcats; exploratory wells that strike oil or gas are referred to as discovery wells. When a well does not find any oil or gas, or finds too little to be economically viable, it is referred to as a dry hole and the hole is plugged and abandoned (or P&A) (UNEP, 1997).
2.2.2
Appraisal Appraisal activities are carried out after exploration has identified a potentially economically recoverable field, and involve the construction of one or more wells from the beginning to either abandonment if no hydrocarbons are found, or to well completion if hydrocarbons are found in satisfactory quantities. The appraisal phase involves well drilling and occasionally the use of an early production facility (EPF) to assess the production capacity and performance of the reservoir. Appraisal wells are drilled to quantify the hydrocarbon reserves found and to determine the size and limits of a field/reservoir following discovery, or to search for new hydrocarbon-bearing formations adjacent to, or beneath, those already known to contain oil or gas. The technical procedures in appraisal drilling are the same as those employed for exploration wells. A number of wells may be drilled from a single site, which increases the time during which the site is occupied. Deviated or directional drilling at an angle from a site adjacent to the original discovery borehole may be used to appraise other parts of the reservoir, in order to reduce the exploration ‘foot print’ (UNEP, 1997).
2.2.3
Field Development and Production Field Development After the reservoir area is roughly determined with a series of appraisal wells, development wells (or production wells) are then drilled to extract gas or oil. The number of development wells required to exploit the hydrocarbon reservoir is determined by the size of the reservoir, its geology and its productivity. For instance, a small reservoir may be developed simply using one or more of the appraisal wells whereas in the case of larger reservoirs the drilling of additional production wells will be required. Multiple production wells may be drilled from one pad to reduce land requirements and the overall infrastructure cost. It should be noted that due to uncertainties as to how the identified reservoirs are shaped or confined, some development wells may turn out to be dry holes. The field development phase also involves building the production infrastructure (e.g. offshore production platforms, onshore production facilities) involving process plant, export pipelines and enabling infrastructure (UNEP, 1997). Where fields occur close to, or straddle, the coastline, it may be possible to site the entire footprint of the production infrastructure at an onshore location (e.g. Wytch Farm oilfield, Dorset, England). Oil and Gas Extraction and Production Production is the process of extracting the hydrocarbons and separating the mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, gas, water, and solids, removing the constituents that are non-saleable, and selling the liquid hydrocarbons and gas. The extracted oil is generally processed to separate the produced fluids (oil, gas and water) and remove impurities at a refinery whereas natural gas may be processed either in the field or at a natural gas processing plant. Generally, oil must be free of dissolved gas before export and the gas must be stabilized and free of liquids and unwanted components such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. The size and type of the processing installation is determined by the nature of the reservoir, the volume and type of produced fluids, and the export option selected. Generally, the majority of new commercial oil and gas wells are initially free flowing, hence during the initial production stages, underground pressure drives the liquid and gas up the well bore to the surface; this is known as primary
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recovery. A number of factors can influence the rate of oil and gas flow, such as the volumetric properties of the reservoir, the underground pressures, the viscosity of the oil, and the oil/gas ratio. However, none of these factors is constant throughout the life of a well and additional forms of lift are often required to aid oil and gas recovery (i.e. a pumping mechanism, gas/water/steam injection in the reservoir in order to maintain reservoir pressures, hydraulic fracturing and acid treatment). To ensure optimum production rates and recovery of hydrocarbons, gas/water/steam is injected into the reservoir to increase reservoir pressures. Depending on the existing pressure levels within the reservoir, this may happen from the beginning of a field’s life (if the reservoir has low pressure) or at the end of the production phase in a high pressure field. The injection of gas/water into the hydrocarbon reservoir generally requires the drilling of additional wells known as injection wells (UNEP, 1997, ILO, 2007). Routine operations on a production well include: •
Monitoring, safety and security programmes.
•
Maintenance tasks.
•
Periodic downhole servicing to maintain production.
2.2.4
Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Site abandonment activities involve plugging the well(s) and restoring the site to an environmentally sound condition. Site decommissioning can occur either during the exploration or the production stages, that is, when a recently-drilled well lacks the potential to produce economic quantities of oil or gas, or when a production well is no longer economically viable. Most exploration wells will be unsuccessful and will be abandoned after the initial one-to-three months of activity whereas the decommissioning of production installations occurs at the end of their commercial life, typically after 20–40 years from the start of production activities. Site decommissioning and rehabilitation involves the removal of infrastructures and equipment (e.g. Offshore platforms, pipelines, subsea infrastructure), and restoration of the site to environmentally-sound conditions and continued monitoring of the site after closure. Onshore, rehabilitation may also involve the implementation of measures to encourage site re-vegetation (UNEP, 1997).
2.3
Overview of Drilling Technologies This section provides a brief overview of drilling technologies and of the structures that are necessary to support offshore drilling activities in shallow waters. Horizontal drilling techniques and their associated infrastructures are also addressed in order to assess their applicability within the plan areas.
2.3.1
The Drilling Process Oil and gas wells are created by drilling a hole into the earth with a drilling rig that rotates a drill string with a bit attached. The hole is drilled, its sides are reinforced using sections of smaller gauge steel pipe (casing) and then the reinforcement is cemented into place. This is a continual process as the wellbore is competed. Once drilling commences, drilling fluid or mud is continuously circulated down inside the drill pipe and back to the surface equipment. Drilling mud is a fluid composed of water or oil (most offshore wells are drilled with water-based muds) and clay with chemical additives (e.g., formaldehyde, lime, sodium hydrazide, barite). Drilling muds need to be carefully tailored to provide the correct physical and chemical characteristics required to safely drill the well. Drilling mud is used for cooling and lubricating the bit, lubricating the pipe, flushing rock cuttings to the surface, preventing destabilization of the rock in the wellbore walls and resisting the pressure of fluids or gas inside the rock so that they do not enter the wellbore. When the drilling fluid circulates back to surface outside the drill pipe, it goes through "shakers" which separate the rock cuttings from the good fluid which is then returned to the pit. The pipe/drill string to which the bit is attached is gradually lengthened as the well gets deeper by screwing in additional sections of pipe at the surface, also referred to as jointing. This process is called making a connection. To reduce the risk of an uncontrolled flow from the reservoir to the surface, blowout preventers, a series of hydraulically actuated steel rams that can close quickly around the drill string or casing to seal off a well, are fitted on the drilled well. The above processes are all facilitated by a drilling rig which contains all necessary equipment to circulate the drilling fluid, hoist and turn the pipe, control downhole, remove cuttings from the drilling fluid, and generate on-site power for these operations. A typical drilling rig module includes a derrick, drilling mud handling equipment, power generators, cementing equipment and tanks for fuel and water. Drilling operations are continuous, until the borehole has reached
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the depth of the targeted hydrocarbon bearing formation. Timescales depend on depth of the reservoir and the local geological conditions, but is generally of one to two months. When hydrocarbon-bearing formations are found, well tests are conducted to establish flow rates and formation pressure and determine whether the formations are commercially viable. These tests generally last approximately one month and may generate oil, gas and formation water, which will need to be disposed of. Based on the well tests, if commercially viable quantities of hydrocarbons have been discovered, a wellhead valve assembly may be installed on the well whereas if the well does not contain commercial quantities, the site is decommissioned to a safe and stable condition and restored to its original state (or agreed after use). In case of decommissioning, cement plugs are used to seal open rock formations to prevent the upward migration of wellbore fluids. The casing wellhead and the top joint of the casings are cut below surface level and capped with a cement plug. Wells are brought into production through a process called Completion, which involves a number of operations, including penetration of the casing and cleaning out water and sediment from the pipeline so that flow is unimpeded. Special core bits are used to drill and extract cores up to 50 m long for analysis during the drilling operation to determine when penetration should be performed. When this is determined, the drill pipe and bit are removed and the final string of casing is cemented into place. A perforating gun (metal tube containing sockets holding either bullets or shaped explosive charges) is then lowered into the well. The charges are discharged by electrical impulse through the steel casing into the reservoir to create openings for the oil and gas to flow into the well and up to the surface. Oil and natural gas flow is controlled by a series of valves, called “Christmas trees”, which are placed at the top of the well head. Monitors and controls are installed to automatically or manually operate surface and subsurface safety valves, in the event of a change in pressure, fire or other hazardous condition (ILO, 2007; www.oilandgasuk.co.uk). 2.3.2
Drilling Platforms for Shallow Water Drilling Drilling operations in water are generally conducted using a variety of self-contained mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). The type of platform used is usually determined by the depth of the water (shallow or deep waters), seabed conditions, prevailing meteorological conditions (in particular, wind speed, wave height and current speed) and by the type of well to be drilled (exploratory or production). Shallow water drilling refers to the process of oil and gas exploration and production in less than 500 feet of water. A summary of platform types for shallow water drilling is provided below: •
Submersible barges and platforms: Barges or platforms towed to the site and sunk to rest on the bottom (lower buoyant column keeps rigs afloat when moved); used for underwater drilling at depths around 15-30 m;
•
Jack-ups (on legs): Mobile, self-elevating buoyant platforms whose legs are jacked up for towing. At the site, the legs are lowered to the bottom and then extended to raise the platform above the water level; used for underwater drilling at depths of 30 -100 m.
•
Fixed on site platforms: Platforms built on steel supports (jackets) which are sunk and fixed in place, and artificial islands used as platforms; used for drilling at depths 0 -250 m.
•
Drilling barges: Self-propelled, floating or semi-submersible barges; used for underwater drilling at depths of 30 300 m.
After the drilling is completed, marine platforms are used to support production equipment. The largest production platforms (typically in deep waters) have accommodation for over 250 crew members and other support personnel, heliports, processing plants and crude oil and gas condensate storage capability before it is shipped on-shore. It should be noted that shallow water drilling differs from deepwater drilling in several key aspects. Drilling for oil in shallow waters is less risky and easier to repair if damaged because divers are able to reach the well. Shallow water rigs have legs that reach the bottom of the sea floor and have blowout preventers (BOPs) above the surface of the water that are accessible for inspection, maintenance and repair, and can be controlled either remotely or manually in case of an emergency (ILO, 2007; www.oilandgasuk.co.uk). The development of directional drilling techniques (see 2.3.3 below) means that offshore drilling platforms may not be needed to drill into targets that lie below offshore locations within a few kilometres of the coastline. For example, in the
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Wytch Farm oilfield wellbores may have lateral lengths of 10 kilometres or more, allowing drill sites to be located a significant distance back (inland) from the coastline and still tap the resources below the sea.
2.3.3
Drilling Methods Traditionally, the only way to extract oil and natural gas was to drill a vertical well straight down into the ground. However, in many instances, this is not possible, not economically feasible, or simply not efficient. Technological advances now allow deviations from ‘straight line’ drilling, and steering the drilling equipment to reach a point that is not directly underneath the point of entry. This method of drilling allows for the drilling of tightly curved well holes, and even wells that can take a 90 degree turn underground. The lateral lengths of horizontal wells are typically kilometres. Three main types of horizontal wells exist: short-radius, medium-radius, and long-radius (HDD 2001, www.naturalgas.org) •
Short-radius wells typically have a curvature radius of 20 to 45 feet, being the 'sharpest turning' of the three types. These wells, which can radiate from a previously drilled vertical well, are ideal for increasing the recovery of natural gas or oil from an already developed well. They can also be used to drill non-conventional formations, including coalbed methane and tight sand reservoirs.
•
Medium-radius wells typically have a curvature radius of 300 to 700 feet, with the horizontal portion of the well measuring up to 3,500 feet. These wells are useful when the drilling target is a long distance away from the drillsite, or where separated reservoirs are present underground. Multiple completions may be used to gain access to numerous deposits at the same time.
•
Long-radius wells typically have a curvature radius of 1,000 to 4,500 feet, and can extend a great distance horizontally. These wells are typically used to reach deposits offshore, where it is economical to drill outwards from a single platform to reach reservoirs inaccessible with vertical drilling.
In certain types of reservoir, it is possible to drill horizontally for a mile or more deep underground. This technique allows access to substantially more reserves across a broader area with one, than is possible when with multiple traditional vertical wells. This translates into reduced land usage at the surface, less waste and reduced air emissions and a lower impact on environmentally sensitive areas. Directional drilling is also considered especially useful for offshore locations. The cost of offshore drilling rigs can make it uneconomical to drill a single well. With directional drilling, the offshore rig can gain access to deposits that are not directly beneath the rig, meaning that 20 or more wells can be drilled from a single rig, making the drilling activities much more cost effective (www.naturalgas.org). Advances in horizontal drilling have enhanced directional drilling as a means of concentrating operations at one site and reducing the ‘footprint’ on land of production operations and the number of platforms offshore. The technology now enables access to a reservoir up to several kilometres from the drill rig, while technology is developing to permit even greater range. This further minimizes the ‘footprint’ by reducing the need for satellite wells. It also allows for more flexibility in selecting a drill site, particularly where environmental concerns are raised (UNEP 1997).
2.4
Site Development Requirements for Oil and Gas Fields Extensive site development is required to bring a new oil or gas field into production. The requirements include: •
Transportation.
•
Construction.
•
Maintenance.
•
Housing and administrative facilities.
•
Oil, gas and water separation equipment.
•
Crude oil and natural gas transport.
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•
Water and waste disposal facilities
•
Many other services, facilities and kinds of equipment.
Most of these are not readily available at the site and must be provided by either the drilling or producing company or by outside contractors (ILO, 2007).
2.4.1
Contractor Activities Contractors are typically used by oil and gas exploration and producing companies to provide some or all of the following supporting services required to drill and develop producing fields: •
Site preparation - brush clearing, road construction, ramps and walkways, bridges, aircraft landing areas, marine harbour, wharfs, docks and landings.
•
Erection and installation - drilling equipment, power and utilities, tanks and pipeline, housing, maintenance buildings, garages, hangers, service and administration buildings.
•
Underwater work - installation, inspection, repair and maintenance of underwater equipment and structures.
•
Maintenance and repair - drilling and production equipment preventive maintenance, vehicles and boats, machinery and buildings.
•
Contract services - food service; housekeeping; facility and perimeter protection and security; janitorial, recreation and support activity; warehousing and distribution of protective equipment, spare parts and disposable supplies.
•
Engineering and technical - testing and analyses, computer services, inspections, laboratories, non-destructive analysis, explosives storage and handling, fire protection, permits, environmental, medical and health, industrial hygiene and safety and spill response.
• •
Outside services - telephone, radio and television, sewerage and waste. Transportation and material handling equipment - aircraft and helicopter, marine services, heavy-duty construction and materials handling equipment.
2.4.2
2.5
Utilities Whether exploration, drilling and producing operations take place on land or offshore, power, light electricity and other support utilities are required, including: •
Power generation - gas, diesel, electricity (onshore mains to offshore installation) and steam.
•
Water - fresh water supply, purification and treatment and process water.
•
Sewerage and drainage - storm water, sanitary treatment and waste (oily) water treatment and disposal.
•
Communications - telephone, radio and television, computer and satellite communication.
•
Utilities - light, heat, ventilation and cooling.
Petroleum Exploration and Extraction in Northern Ireland The geology of Northern Ireland, and hence its hydrocarbon-bearing potential, may be envisaged as four main units: • The Dalradian rocks of the Sperrin Mountains and surrounding areas. •
The Lower Palaeozoic rocks of Down and Armagh.
•
The Devonian and Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of Fermanagh, Tyrone and parts of Armagh.
•
The Antrim Plateau with its cover of basalts and underlying Mesozoic and Palaeozic sedimentary rocks.
Exploration for oil and gas in Northern Ireland began in 1965 and whilst both have been detected in wells, this has not led to commercial production. In general terms of oil and gas exploration and extraction, the two most prospective
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areas are in the Lower Carboniferous rocks of Co Fermanagh and south Co Tyrone and the Carboniferous to Triassic rocks beneath the Antrim Plateau. The former has a history of gas shows from a small number of exploration wells but the prospectivity is reduced by the low permeability of the sandstone reservoir rocks. It is considered to be a resource which can only be accessed using unconventional exploration techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing. In recent years the shale formations, formerly considered only as oil and gas source rocks, have been reassessed for their potential to produce gas using a combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques.
2.5.1
Early Carboniferous Basins in Co Fermanagh and South Co Tyrone This area covers the Carboniferous outcrop that extends from Co Fermanagh eastwards through south Co Tyrone to Co Armagh. Westwards it extends to Counties Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, Monaghan and South Co Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. In Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, the Early Carboniferous section comprises 3,500 metres of marine sedimentary rocks that include organic-rich mudstone and sandstone which are potential hydrocarbon source and reservoir rocks respectively. Late Carboniferous rocks of the Fintona Block and in the Coalisland area of east Co Tyrone contribute to a cumulative maximum thickness of c. 7,000 metres of Carboniferous strata.
Five wells were drilled in 1965 – 1966, resulting in gas shows at Dowra and McNean in Co Cavan and at Big Dog and Owengarr in Co Fermanagh while the Glenoo No.1 well, in the Slieve Beagh area of Co Tyrone, was dry. Interest in the area lapsed when testing of the wells produced non-commercial gas flows. Dowra No.1 was re-entered in 1981 and the reservoir interval was hydraulically fractured producing a tenfold increase in flow-rates to 250,000 cubic feet of gas per day (250 mscfg/day) from the Dowra Sandstone Member of the Bundoran Shale Formation. This led to further exploration comprising a 2D seismic reflection survey followed by drilling of wells at Slisgarrow and Kilcoo Cross in Co Fermanagh, and Macnean No.2 and Drumkeeran in Co Cavan in 1984-1985. Gas shows were again encountered but the wells did not flow to surface when tested.
In 1996, licences were awarded for the area between Co Fermanagh and the west shore of Lough Neagh. Six wells were drilled in 2001, four in Co Fermanagh and two in the Republic of Ireland. The Mullaghmore Sandstone Formation reservoir intervals were hydraulically fractured and extended well tests performed. Unfortunately, the fractures did not propagate as well as had been hoped and this, combined with low formation pressures, led to low gas flow rates of <100 mscfg/day. The wells were considered non-commercial given the high drilling costs and lack of infrastructure in the area. Horizontal drilling combined with fracture stimulation of the reservoir may be the key to the successful future development of this play. However, the shale gas potential of the Bundoran Shale Formation is the exploration focus for the current licence in the area although drilling and testing would be required to establish the commercial viability of this exploration play.
2.5.2
The Antrim Plateau The Antrim Plateau has had six exploration boreholes drilled between 1971 and 2008. The lack of exploration is the result of technical difficulties associated with imaging the geological structure beneath the thick cover of Palaeogene basalt lava. The area is considered to have petroleum potential because the underlying geology has many similarities to that of the East Irish Sea Basin which hosts the Morecambe Bay Gas Field, and oil was recovered from the Ballinlea No. 1 well in the Rathlin Basin.
2.5.3
Permo-Triassic basins In Northern Ireland, two main areas of thick Permian and Triassic sedimentary rocks are located in the Rathlin and Foyle Basins, north of the Highland Border Ridge, and in the Lough Neagh and Larne Basins, to the south. The succession comprises up to 3,000 metres of Permian and Triassic volcanic and sedimentary rocks and includes rock units that are good potential reservoirs and seals, similar to those in the Morecambe Bay Gas Field and in oilfields in the East Irish Sea Basin. Lower and Upper Carboniferous mudstones and coals are known from outcrop west of Lough Neagh and in the Ballycastle coalfield and these oil- and gas- prone potential source rocks are predicted to have reached maturity beneath the deeper parts of the Permo-Triassic basins. The area is poorly explored primarily because of the difficulty in
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obtaining good quality seismic reflection data through the thick cover of Palaeogene basalt lava to indentify drilling targets.
In 1971 the Newmill No.1 well was drilled in the Larne Basin on the basis of surface structure and nearby offshore seismic data. It encountered good reservoir rocks and seal but no significant hydrocarbons. In 1981 and 1983, the Northern Ireland government commissioned Vibroseis seismic reflection surveys in east Co Antrim and west of Lough Neagh which demonstrated that sedimentary rocks beneath the basalt lavas could be imaged moderately successfully. Integration of that seismic data with gravity data and the results from deep boreholes sought to produce exploration models with the aim of stimulating further exploration. Since then further seismic exploration has been carried out and four wells have been drilled, two in the Larne Basin and two in the Lough Neagh Basin. Slight gas shows were found in the Ballytober Sandstone Formation in Newmill No.1 and Larne No.2, and oil-staining in Annaghmore No.1 indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in these basins. The quality of the available 2D seismic data is particularly poor in the Rathlin Basin although deep boreholes, drilled for mineral and geothermal exploration, have provided valuable information about the succession there. Re-processing of the seismic data and modelling of gravity data led in 2008 to the Ballinlea No.1 becoming the first exploration well to be drilled in the Rathlin Basin. This well established the presence of a petroleum system in the basin although a commercial discovery is yet to be made.
Currently exploration is taking place in the Rathlin Basin and in an area running from the northeastern corner of the Lough Neagh Basin into the southwestern part of the Larne Basin. In the Rathlin Basin future exploration will benefit from the information obtained in the Ballinlea well whilst in the Larne Basin the experience from recent seismic surveys, acquired during the assessment of Permo-Triassic salt beds for potential underground gas storage facilities, will help in the acquisition and processing of better quality seismic data for oil and gas exploration. It is anticipated that at least two of the Licensees will apply to drill wells during the initial five year term of their licences.
2.6
Petroleum Exploration in Northern Ireland In Northern Ireland, there are currently three main areas for petroleum exploration. These are in Counties Antrim, Fermanagh and Londonderry. Table 2.1 gives details of the current licencees and their licence numbers. Table 2.1: Summary of the existing petroleum licences in Northern Ireland Licence No PL1/10
PL2/10 PL3/10 PL5/10
Licensee (s) Infrastrata plc, Cairn Energy plc, Brigantes Energy Ltd and Terrain Energy Ltd. Tamboran Resources Pty Limited Rathlin Energy Limited Providence Resources UK Ltd
Area Central Larne – Lough Neagh Basin
Lough Allen Basin – (North) Rathlin Basin(mainland) Rathlin Basin (Rathlin Island)
All four licences were granted in 2011 and are in their initial five–year exploration period.
To illustrate the area which each of these licences encompasses, Illustration 2.1 shows the extent of the areas licence for petroleum activities by DETI.
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Illustration 2.1 – Petroleum Licences in Northern Ireland – December 2012
None of the current licence areas extend offshore. As stated in the introduction, DETI only has legislative powers for petroleum licensing within the internal waters of Northern Ireland. The responsibility for petroleum licensing around the coast of Northern Ireland, within the territorial waters of the United Kingdom is within in the remit of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) (www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change). The UK government have been issuing petroleum exploration licences since 1964. DECC select geographicallydefined blocks in areas of the UK Continental Shelf which they make available for application in time-limited licensing rounds. Each Licensing Round is considered to be a Plan or Programme for the purposes of the SEA Directive and the areas offered for licensing in these rounds are subject to SEA (www.offshore-sea.org.uk). DECC have licensee requirements which have to be met before licences are granted and where the licensee is not meeting the terms of the licence, it can be either removed or relinquished. Unlicensed blocks in the territorial waters adjacent to Northern Ireland th were offered in the 26 Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round and DECC offered P R Singleton Ltd a Frontier Licence th covering Blocks125/18, 125/19, 125/20, 125/23, 125/24 & 125/25 in the second tranche of offers announced on 30 st December 2011. The Licence was formally awarded to the company on 1 February 2012. Illustration 2.2 shows the geographical extent of offshore Frontier Licence P1885 and onshore licence PL5/10 (from Providence Resources plc website (http://www.providenceresources.com/operations%20map.aspx)
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Illustration 2.2: Geographical extent of Frontier Licence P1885 and Onshore Licence PL5/10
th
The 27 Offshore Licensing Round closed in 2012 and DECC announced an initial tranche of offers of 167 Production Licences covering 330 blocks. Within the vicinity of the Northern Ireland coast unlicensed blocks in Quadrants 125, 131, 132, 133, 134 and 135 have been made available for licensing (and were included in the Offshore Energy SEA 2) but none of these blocks were included in the first tranche of licence offers. However, some of these blocks of the east Antrim coast are included in a further 61 blocks for which more detailed environmental assessments were required. Prior to 2010 the internal waters of Northern Ireland were excluded from the areas subject to offshore licensing from DECC and from the onshore area of Northern Ireland over which DETI had licensing powers. In order to fully implement the EU Directive, the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 amended the Petroleum Production Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 to extend DETI’s ownership and licensing powers to the internal waters of Northern Ireland. The internal waters thus constitute a new area of Northern Ireland which has not previously been made available for petroleum licensing under DETI’s licensing system.
2.7
Objective of the Licensing Plan The overall objective of the Plan is to maximise the exploration opportunities within the internal waters of Northern Ireland in order to enhance security of supply of oil or gas supplies for the UK including NI, should exploration prove successful and lead to development of the discoveries made.
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2.8
Proposed Content and Structure of the Plan DETI’s intention to establish a petroleum licensing system for the internal waters constitutes a new plan or programme under the terms of The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (SR 2004/280) and, as such, requires a strategic Environmental Assessment to be carried out before implementation. With respect to Northern Ireland Government Policy, the Strategic Energy Framework 2010 (SEF) recognises that Northern Ireland will remain largely dependent on imported fossil fuels. Oil and gas has the potential to enhance security of supply as well as attracting inward investment, creating employment and generating tax revenue. There is currently an interest in oil and gas exploration in Northern Ireland and DETI wishes to make internal waters available for exploration through a petroleum licensing system. The SEA of the Plan for petroleum licensing will help inform Ministerial decisions through consideration of the environmental implications of the proposed actions.
2.9
Assessment Scenarios The geographic area of the SEA and the Plan has been defined as from the high water mark to the bay closing lines for both Belfast and Larne Loughs. The SEA will examine a number of alternative scenarios/ alternatives including: 1.
Not to offer any blocks for Petroleum Licence award i.e. because the effects are too significant or restrictions on activities so stringent that they would greatly limit available resource.
2.
To proceed with the licensing programme without restriction.
3.
To restrict the area licensed temporally or spatially, or to place other controls or constraints on development.
It is accepted that there are limitations to each scenario and that given the characteristics and sensitivities in each lough, scenario 2 is unlikely. For Option 3 the SEA would provide the basis for determining the spatial, temporal or operational conditions that would need to be attached to an award and/or guidance to be given to developers to mitigate effects. Within the operational parameters of this scenario, the opportunity will be taken to consider the implications of non standard operating activities for petroleum exploration and production including the risk of oil spills. 2.9.1
Assumptions To ensure the extraction scenarios for the Plan are realistic, certain assumptions have been made. These are as follows: •
It is assumed that it is most likely that each lough would be made available for licensing as a single entity, subject to the requirements of the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
•
It is assumed that that SEA will provide a basis for identifying areas which should be avoided, operational activities which should be restricted and areas which can be developed.
2.9.2
Consultation The Plan will continue to be developed alongside the SEA and will seek throughout the process to ensure that the findings of the SEA are built into the Plan as it develops. The Plan will be made available for public consultation for a 12 week period together with the Environmental Report. This will ensure that all relevant information regarding the potential environmental effects of the Plan, measures for mitigating effects and proposals for monitoring the implementation of the Plan, is publically available so that it can be taken into account during consultation on the Draft Plan.
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3
3.1
Policy Context
Introduction Petroleum exploration in Northern Ireland was first undertaken in 1965, and while no commercially viable deposits have as yet been encountered, a legislative framework has been developed to allow exploration to be undertaken once the technological issues associated with exploration have been addressed. Table 3.1 lists the legislation applicable to petroleum exploration and production which is current in Northern Ireland and is applicable to any development which would result from the proposed licensing rounds.
Table 3.1: Legislation Applicable to Oil and Gas Exploration and Extraction Obligation / Instrument
Main Aim
Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982
The Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 gave the Government power to dispose of British Gas assets and force the opening up of the corporation’s pipelines to third-party suppliers. This allowed a more open and competitive industry by introducing competition within the industry. The Act amended the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 to make further provision about licences to search for and get petroleum (including amendments to sections 2 and 3 of the Continental Shelf Act 1964); to extend the application of the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971 and the Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975; to amend the Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Act 1968, the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Act 1975 and the Participation Agreement Act 1978.
Petroleum Act 1987 (September 1987)
The Act makes provision with respect to the safety zones around offshore installations and pipelines. It also makes provision for the abandonment of offshore installations and submarine pipelines.
The Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (February
This Order provides for the regulation of the supply of gas
1996)
through pipes.
The Gas Order 1996 (Amendment) Regulations
The Regulations revoke and replace the Gas Order 1996
(Northern Ireland) 2006 (October 2006)
(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.
The Gas (Designation of Pipelines) Order (Northern
Article 8(1) of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (“the
Ireland) 2007 (September 2007)
1996 Order”) authorises the holder to participate in the conveyance of gas from one place to another; and (b) Under sub-paragraph (c) of that paragraph to store gas.
Industrial Pollution Control (Northern Ireland) Order
This Order makes provision for the control of pollution arising
1997
from certain industrial and other processes.
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20
Obligation / Instrument
Main Aim
Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 Chapter
This Act applies to England, Scotland and Wales and section 7
24
on preventing pollution from offshore installations applies in Northern Ireland. Sections 1 and 2 of this Act allow the Secretary of State to make regulations providing for a pollution control system which replaces the previous system established under Part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Act. This will meet the requirements of Directive 2008/1/EC, on integrated pollution prevention and control, Directive 99/31/EC, on landfill waste and for other measures to prevent and control pollution. This system has to include the concepts and principles used in Directive 2008/1/EC such as: - Best Available Techniques (BAT); - the general principles on energy efficiency; - the control of waste production; - site restoration.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
Regulations (Northern Ireland), 2004 No. 507
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and the Industrial Pollution Control (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 to take account in Northern Ireland of the derogation of the United Kingdom from th
European Parliament and Council Directive 94/63/EC of 20
December 1994 on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations. The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
and Connected Provisions Regulations (Northern
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (“the PPC Regulations”)
Ireland) 2005
and the Industrial Pollution Control (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
These Regulations are made under Article 4 of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 (2002 No. 3153 (N.I. 17)). Implement in Northern Ireland the amendments to the public participation provisions in Directive 96/61/EC made by Article 4 of Directive 2003/35/EC providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Council Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC (the Public Participation Directive). They also make other miscellaneous amendments to the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (S.R. 2003 No. 46) (the 2003 Regulations).
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Obligation / Instrument
Main Aim
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (the “PPC Regulations”).
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (“the PPC Regulations”). Regulation 2 amends regulation 10(4) (b) of the PPC Regulations to include an additional provision for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 No. 412
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment)
These Regulations amend the Pollution Prevention and Control
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 No.402
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
Petroleum Production Act 1964
An Act to vest in the Ministry of Commerce the property in undeveloped petroleum in Northern Ireland; to make provision with respect to searching and boring for and getting petroleum; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.
Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations
These Regulations came into force on 20 March 2011 and
(Northern Ireland) 2010
apply to Northern Ireland only. The aim of the Regulations is to require everybody in custody or control of oil to carry out certain works and take the necessary precautions in order to prevent the pollution of any waterway. They apply where more than 200 litres of oil, including waste oil, is stored above ground at industrial, commercial or institutional sites. They do not apply to uncut bitumen. These Regulations will meet the requirements of the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), which were published on 21 December 2009, to make sure the objectives of Directive 2000/60/EC, establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, are met.
Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Amendment)
These Regulations amend regulation 8(1) (a) of the Control of
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 to correct a drafting error.
Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural
These Regulations came fully into force on 21 July 2003 and
Fuel Oil) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR
apply to Northern Ireland only. They are relevant as they link
2003/319
into the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) regulations above.
Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations
The aim of the Regulations is to establish a regime for the
(Northern Ireland) SR 2003/46
control of industrial and all other installations that have a considerable impact on the environment. They develop an integrated approach to controlling pollution from industrial sources and aim to achieve a high level of protection by
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Obligation / Instrument
Main Aim regulating emissions into air, water and land. This is done through a permit system, based on the principal of best available techniques (BAT). In doing so they implement Directive 96/61/EC, on integrated pollution prevention and control. They are made in accordance with the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order SI 2002/3153.
Pollution Prevention and Control (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2004/507
These Regulations came into force on 31 December 2004 and apply to Northern Ireland only. They amend the following legislation in order to take account the derogation of the UK from Directive 94/63/EC, on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations: - Industrial Pollution Control (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1998/28; - Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2003/46.
Petroleum Production Regulations (Northern Ireland)
These Regulations introduce new requirements for applications
1987
to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for licences to search, bore for and get petroleum in Northern Ireland and new provisions relating to licences. For this purpose, the Regulations amend the Petroleum Production Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 (the “1987 Regulations”).
The Petroleum Production (Amendment)
These Regulations introduce new requirements for applications
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for licences to search, bore for and get petroleum in Northern Ireland and new provisions relating to licences. For this purpose, the Regulations amend the Petroleum Production Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 (the ”1987 Regulations”).
Industrial Pollution Control (Prescribed Processes
These Regulations came into force on 2 March 1998 and apply
and Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR
to Northern Ireland only. They designate the description of
1998/28
each process which requires an authorisation under the Industrial Pollution Control (Northern Ireland) Order SI 1997/2777 and also prescribes the substances whose release is controlled.
The Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations
This Regulation looks into conditions for granting and using
(Northern Ireland) 2010
authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (“the Directive”) (O.J. L164, 30.6.94, p.3) and are supplemental to the Petroleum Production Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987.
Offshore and Pipelines Safety (Northern Ireland)
The Order legislates for proper construction and safe operation
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Obligation / Instrument
Main Aim
Order 1992 (July 1992)
of pipelines onshore and the giving of notice to appropriate bodies of any accidental escape or ignition. It also gives direction for preserving the security of offshore installations, onshore terminals or oil refineries.
Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order
The Order imposes duties of care on employers for employees
1978
and responsibilities on employees to comply with the measures put in place for their health and safety.
3.2
The Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations
These regulations relate to the health and safety requirements
1995
in relation to borehole operations within Great Britain.
Other Policies and Plans There are a number of ongoing initiatives and plans and programmes relating to marine conservation in Northern Ireland, the main plans associated with this is the Northern Ireland Marine Plan. The Northern Ireland Marine Plan will be the result of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the aim of which is to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in Europe’s seas by 2020. The most basic description of GES is to protect the marine environment, prevent it deterioration and restore it where practicable while still using the marine resource sustainably. The Directive sets out 11 high level Descriptors of Good Environmental Status, these are: •
“Biological diversity is maintained. The quality and occurrence of habitats and the distribution and abundance of species are in line with prevailing physiographic, geographic and climatic conditions.
•
Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems.
•
Populations of all commercially exploited fish and shellfish are within safe biological limits, exhibiting a population age and size distribution that is indicative of a healthy stock.
•
All elements of the marine food webs, to the extent that they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity and levels capable of ensuring the long-term abundance of the species and the retention of their full reproductive capacity.
•
Human-induced eutrophication is minimised, especially adverse effects thereof, such as losses in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, harmful algae blooms and oxygen deficiency in bottom waters.
•
Sea floor integrity is at a level that ensures that the structure and functions of the ecosystems are safeguarded and benthic ecosystems, in particular, are not adversely affected.
•
Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions does not adversely affect marine ecosystems.
•
Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects.
•
Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards.
•
Properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment.
•
Introduction of energy, including underwater noise, is at levels that do not adversely affect the marine environment.”
The Directive came into force on 15 July 2008, where it was transposed into national legislation through the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 and the proposed Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15). The Marine Bill will establish a strategic system of marine planning in Northern Ireland’s inshore region (out to 12 nautical miles) that will assist in the delivery of a modernised licensing and enforcement regime and contribute to the delivery of the UK aim of establishing an “ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas”. This will encompass the vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.
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In addition to the Northern Ireland Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15), there is also the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill. The bill is part of the measures put in place by DETI to regulate how Northern Ireland will reach it Strategic Energy Framework (SEF) targets of 40% renewable electricity and 10% renewable heat by 2020. The bill proposes new powers in relation to the following areas: •
Safety zones around offshore renewable energy installations and prohibition of certain activities in those safety zones.
•
Navigation and extinguishing of public rights of navigation in the relevant areas.
•
Preparation and implementation of decommissioning programmes.
•
Consequential amendments to legislation as a result of the above measures.
While the consequences of the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill will not be a far reaching as those resulting from the Marine Bill, it may result in a wider range of exploration methods being used in each of the loughs and result in different exploration techniques, other than those conventionally used.
3.3
Protection of the Environment The focus of the Plan is on the future development of petroleum exploration. In developing the Plan and the SEA, it will therefore be necessary to understand how it will relate to the existing framework of international, European and domestic obligations and agreements that currently influence the l protection of the environment. These obligations and agreements are implemented through a framework of regulatory instruments which include Directives, Acts and Regulations. Table 3.2 lists some of the current key obligations, agreements and regulatory instruments that apply to the environment in Northern Ireland. Further details of relevant legislation are presented in Appendix A
Table 3.2: Obligations/Instruments (note this list is not definitive) Obligations/Instrument
Main Aim
Habitats Directive 1992 (Directive 92/43/EEC Conservation of Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna)
•
-Sets out the framework for the establishment of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for areas containing habitats of conservation importance listed under Annex I of the Directive or species of conservation importance listed under Annex II of the Directive.
•
- Requires the establishment of a network of protected (Natura 2000) sites which include SACs and SPAs (see Birds Directive below)
•
- Network of Natura 2000 sites also now includes the designation of offshore areas for protection
1
Birds Directive 2009(Directive (2009/147/EC) on the Conservation of Wild Birds)
•
-Sets out the framework for the establishment of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for areas containing rare or vulnerable birds (listed under Annex I of the Directive) or for regularly occurring migratory species.
Ramsar Convention (The Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (1971 and amendments) 1
•
-An international agreement providing for the protection and
Directive 2009/147/EC of The European Parliament and Of The Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (codified version) with annexes modified by the Treaty of Accession 2003
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Obligations/Instrument
Main Aim conservation of wetlands, particularly those of importance to waterfowl and waterfowl habitat.
The “Rio” Convention on Biological Diversity
•
-Provided targets to; at least halve and, where feasible, bring close to zero the rate of loss of natural habitats; establish a conservation target of 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of marine and coastal areas; and restore at least 15% of degraded areas through conservation and restoration activities.
Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)
•
-An independent agreement arising out of the Bonn Convention calling for co-ordinated measures to be taken to maintain migratory waterbird species in a favourable conservation status, and to investigate problems that are posed or are likely to be posed by human activities and endeavour to implement remedial measures.
Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and Wild Animals (1979) Marine Strategy Framework Directive or MSFD (Directive 2008/56/EC for the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy) 2008 Water Framework Directive, or WFD (Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy) 2000
•
-Conservation of wild flora and fauna.
Conservation of species and wildlife on a global scale, in particular migratory species Legal framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of marine and coastal waters (12 nautical miles) around Europe. Main aim of the MSFD is to achieve Good Environmental Statue in Europe’s seas by 2020. Legal framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of surface waters, transitional waters and coastal waters (up to 1nm of territorial waters) and groundwater across Europe. Main aims of the WFD include: • Prevent deterioration and enhance status of aquatic ecosystems, including groundwater
Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15)
•
Promote sustainable water use
•
Reduce pollution
•
Contribute to the mitigation of floods and droughts
The Marine Bill will transpose the MSFD into Northern Ireland legislation.
Offshore Renewable Energy Bill
The aim of the bill is to address the requirements for primary legislation pertaining to offshore decommissioning, safety zones, navigation and certain offshore transmission issues.
The Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (SR No. 380 of 1995) and amendments The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
Implements the Habitats Directive in Northern Ireland
Implements the Water Framework Directive in Northern Ireland. The result of which are the River Basin Management Plans, which are of statutory importance.
The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order 1985 (NCALCO)
Allows the designation of National Parks, Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), Areas of Outstanding Natural
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Obligations/Instrument
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Main Aim Beauty (AONBs) and nature reserves.
The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (amended)
Protection of certain fauna and flora, gives general protection to wild birds, their occupied nests, their eggs and dependent young,
The Environment (NI) Order 2002
Enables the Department of the Environment to designate ASSIs Requires public bodies to take reasonable steps to further the conservation and enhancement of designation features in relation to land included in an ASSI.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Designation Order (Northern Ireland) 2005
Provides agricultural management measures within designated natural beauty areas, to conserve flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features of those areas; and to protect buildings and other objects or archaeological, architectural or historic interest in those areas.
Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999
The Order modifies existing legislation relating to discharge consents,
confers
powers
to
DOE
regarding
pollution
prevention and anti-pollution works and confers powers to DARD to carry out works in relation to waterways. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
The Act confers marine licensing authority and obligations to DOE. It has produced subsidiary marine licensing legislation in Northern Ireland.
Fisheries Act 1966
Main piece of fisheries legislation in Northern Ireland in relation to the Plan areas.
The Environmental Liability (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
Implement Directive 2004/35/EC Require those carrying out certain activities to prevent, limit and remediate significant environmental damage to protected species, natural habitats, ASSIs, surface water, ground water and land.
In parallel Northern Ireland manages development under a comprehensive set of policies that provide environmental protection, and manage the location and quality of development. These are detailed in Appendix A. Key Environmental protection policies and land use planning are set out in Table 3.3. Table 3.3: Key Environmental and Land Use Policies Policy
Main Aim
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1996), Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 (including NI Species and Habitat Action Plans and Departmental Biodiversity Implementation Plans) A Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland – First Steps towards Sustainability
Recommendations on how best to sustain biodiversity.
Sets out the Government agenda for ensuring that sustainable practice becomes an integral part of development policy in Northern Ireland. Strategic objectives include:
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Policy
Main Aim •
To conserve our landscape and manage it in a more sustainable way;
•
To protect and enhance the freshwater and marine environment; and
• River Basin Management Plans
To protect and enhance biodiversity.
Implements the Water Framework Directive for the island of Ireland.
Shaping Our Future – Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2035, DRD, November 2012
Addresses a range of economic, social, environmental and community issues which are relevant to delivering the objectives of achieving sustainable development and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (Draft), November 2004
Northern Ireland land use planning policy is set out in detail in
Belfast Harbour Local Plan 1990-2005, November 2004
designations (for landscape, cultural heritage, ecological etc
local area plans. These can contain both local geographic receptors) as well as policy statements.
Larne Area Plan 2010, March 1998 Antrim, Ballymena and Larne Area Plan 2016, May 2002 A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland (DOE, 1993);
Establishes the objectives and the policies for land use and development appropriate to the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland and which need to be considered on a scale wider than the individual District Council Area. Note that it is being superseded by Planning Policy Statements, but some policies remain in place, including those relating to mineral excavation.
Planning Policy Statement 2 (PPS 2): Planning and Nature Conservation
Sets out the approach of Planning Service to developments
Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4): Planning and Economic Development (DOE, 2010)
PPS 4 seeks to facilitate and accommodate economic growth
that have the potential to affect designated conservation sites
in ways which are compatible with social and environmental objectives and sustainable development.
3.4
Other Relevant Plans and Programmes A summary of the key plans and programmes that have been identified as being relevant to the SEA and development of the Plan are presented in Appendix A.
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4
4.1
SEA Approach and Method
Introduction The main part of the SEA process is split into two distinct stages: •
Scoping.
•
Environmental Assessment and Reporting.
Scoping is the process used to set the context of the SEA, define the study area, identify key environmental baseline information within the study area and agree on the method that will be used to assess the Plan. The main output from this stage is the Scoping Report (this report) which has been issued to statutory consultees and key stakeholders for comment. It has also been placed on the dedicated website for this SEA. The scoping of this SEA will include a workshop where the consultation body (Northern Ireland Environment Agency) and other key stakeholders will be invited to discuss the content of the Scoping Report and the proposed scope of the environmental assessment including the assessment method. The responses from the Scoping Seminar will be integrated into the Environmental Report where appropriate. The environmental assessment is the most significant stage of the SEA process. Its main focus is to assess how the Plan and options considered during plan-development will affect the environment. The results of the assessment will then be documented in an Environmental Report The Environmental Report will be made available for public consultation for a 12 week period with the draft Plan. This will ensure that all relevant information regarding the potential environmental effects of the Plan, measures for mitigating effects and proposals for monitoring the implementation of the Plan, is publicly available so that it can be taken into account during consultation on the draft Plan.
4.2
Establishing the Scope of the SEA (SEA Stage A)
4.2.1
Approach to Scoping Table 4.1 below describes the main tasks in the scoping stage of this SEA. Table 4.1: Stage A Scoping Task
Description of Activities
Where covered in this Scoping Report
Task A.2:
Identify key environmental topics for assessment, based
Identification of environmental
on topics stated in national and international SEA
topics
legislation and guidance
Chapter 4 (SEA Topics)
Identify and review relevant plans, programmes and Task A.3:
legal obligations
Setting the context
Identify existing environmental problems, of relevance to the Plan
Chapters 3 and 5
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Task
Description of Activities
Where covered in this Scoping Report
Task A.4: Review previous studies regarding petroleum exploration in Belfast and Larne Loughs.
Collect data/ information and reviewing earlier studies to establish the potential sites for oil and gas exploration
Chapter 2
within and around the Belfast and Larne Lough basins. Carry out desk-based research to identify and obtain existing sources of baseline data
Task A.6:
Evaluate baseline data
Collate baseline information
Illustrate baseline information on GIS maps, where
Chapter 5
appropriate (see Section II of this report) Identify techniques to measure ‘value’ of baseline data Desk-based review of baseline data to identify key trends in the data e.g. change in the environment and Task A.7: Review of baseline situation
temporal changes (over time), spatial changes (geographical distribution of activities and populations),
Chapter 5
scale changes (size, intensity). Present information using GIS (maps) and text for inclusion in Scoping Report.
Task A.8:
Identify ‘potential’ environmental effects associated with
Identify potential environmental petroleum exploration and production in Belfast and effects
Chapter 6
Larne Loughs to focus the SEA on significant issues Identify gaps and inconsistencies in baseline data Consult with regulators, petroleum exploration experts,
Task A.9:
academics, DETI and the SEA Steering Group on the
Identify additional baseline data type, and level of detail of the information that needs to to be collated
Chapter 7
be obtained to fill gaps in the baseline information. Identify methods for collection of additional baseline information.
Task A.10:
Consult with DETI, Stakeholders and the SEA Steering
Develop assessment
Group on the assessment methodology and assessment Chapter 4
methodology
criteria. Ensure that the SEA Scoping Report meets the
Task A.11: Produce Draft Scoping Report
requirements of the SEA Directive and national legislation. Ensure that the SEA Scoping Report provides a basis for workshop discussions.
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Task
Description of Activities
Where covered in this Scoping Report
Task A.12: Consult DETI and SEA
Present the draft SEA Scoping Report to DETI and SEA
Steering Group on Draft
Steering Group.
Scoping Report Task A.13: Issue Final Scoping Report Task A.14: Consult on the scope of the SEA (including scoping workshop)
Incorporate comments from DETI and the Steering Group. Issue Final SEA Scoping Report prior to the Workshop. Consult on the Scope of the SEA using scoping workshop in addition to formal submission of Scoping Report. Interpret and evaluate responses from scoping consultation. Identify any gaps, errors or additional information that
Task A.15: Review scoping consultation responses
needs to be obtained prior to commencement of the assessment. Consult/liaise with DETI, stakeholders and regulatory bodies to identify solutions for filling data gaps Where additional surveys may be required, identify these as recommendations for further work to be carried out as part of future monitoring or research studies.
Task A.16: Client and SEA Steering Group Feedback
Provide feedback to the SEA Steering Group to develop/enhance the SEA process.
4.3
Developing and Refining Alternatives, Assessing Effects (SEA Stage B)
4.3.1
Approach to Alternatives and the Assessment of the Plan This stage of the SEA involves identifying and assessing the options (alternatives) under consideration for inclusion in the Plan. The Plan is then developed following the selection of the preferred option(s). The Plan as a whole is subject to environmental assessment and mitigation measures are developed to avoid, reduce or offset significant effects. The results of the assessment are then presented in the Environmental Report, which is published with the draft Plan. The Environmental Report will also include proposals for monitoring environmental effects. The main focus of this part of the SEA is to assess the development of a licensing regime for oil and gas exploration on Belfast and Larne Loughs will affect the different aspects of the baseline environment (see Chapter 5). Table 4.2 summarises the tasks that will be carried out to deliver Stage B of this SEA. The method that will be used to assess the effects of the Plan on the environment is presented at the end of this chapter.
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Table 4.2: SEA Stage B: Alternatives and Assessing Effects Task
Task B.1: Develop and refine options (alternatives)
Description • Consult with DETI on the proposed structure and content of the Plan. •
Discuss and identify options (alternatives) associated with the Plan.
•
Assess the implications of non standard operating activities for each alternative.
•
Only reasonable and realistic options will be considered.
Task B2:
•
Assess the potential environmental effects of options.
Assess the environmental effects of options and select preferred option(s)
•
Task B.3: Assess the environmental effects of the Draft Plan of Petroleum licensing within Belfast and Larne Loughs.
•
Determine how the Plan will affect the SEA Topics.
•
Present results of the assessment in a simple matrix and GIS maps (where possible) (see Section II of this report).
•
Identify cumulative effects associated with the Plan
•
Consider how the Plan may interact with existing, proposed and committed developments.
Task B.4: Assess cumulative effects
Select preferred option(s) and develop a draft Plan based on the preferred option(s).
•
Consider how the Plan could interact with previously identified existing environmental problems.
•
Consider how the Plan may interact with other plans, programmes and strategies.
• •
Develop a mitigation strategy which would include: Measures
to
minimise
adverse
effects
Petroleum
exploration
developments. Task B.5:
•
Measures/opportunities
for
enhancing
environmental
benefits
associated with Petroleum exploration developments. Mitigation measures •
Recommendations for how mitigation and enhancement measures can be incorporated in the Plan.
•
Identification of mechanisms for the delivery/implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures.
•
Following agreement on mitigation measures to be adopted by the
Task B6:
Draft Plan; re-assess the Plan in light of these mitigation measures.
Assess residual effects of the Draft Plan
Residual effects are those which remain following the implementation of mitigation.
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Task
Description • Suggest measures for updating and reviewing baseline data to monitor the effects of the Plan.
Task B.7:
•
Make recommendations for addressing any ‘adverse’ effects identified during monitoring.
Monitoring framework •
Make recommendations for incorporating the results of monitoring into future energy strategies and to inform other Local, Regional, National, European, and supranational initiatives.
4.4
Assessment Method
4.4.1
Approach to the Assessment of Effects The main purpose of the assessment is to identify how proposals within the Plan will result in environmental effects (positive and negative). This provides the opportunity to build mitigation measures into the Plan, as well as improving transparency by highlighting potential effects during consultation in the Environmental Report. The proposed assessment of environmental effects will comprise three parts: •
Part 1: Generic environmental assessment
•
Part 2: Area specific environmental assessment
•
Part 3: Cumulative assessment
Part 1: Generic Environmental Assessment Part 1 of the assessment will involve the identification of generic potential effects associated with petroleum exploration and production. The assessment will consider construction, operational and decommissioning effects on each of the SEA topics. The results from this part of the assessment will be presented in simple assessment matrices and any technical supporting information will be presented within technical appendices. The matrices will be designed to enable the environmental effects of particular types of infrastructure or development to be identified at a high level. This assessment will help to identify those receptors which are particularly sensitive to the types of development discussed and will therefore help to focus Part 2 of the assessment. Part 2: Site Specific Assessment This part of the assessment would take the generic effects identified in part 1 and apply them to the specific environmental conditions within Belfast and Larne Loughs, identifying the potential for adverse effects. It will also include an assessment of the ‘non standard’ operation activities within each of the Loughs i.e. the risks associated with oil spills. Part 3: Cumulative Assessment Part 3 will focus on the cumulative effects of the Plan across the entire study area (both Loughs and adjacent areas). Where possible, specific receptors (e.g. protected sites) will be identified and impacts on them will be assessed, however no detailed micrositing of infrastructure studies will be carried out as part of this SEA. The assessment will also consider the potential for cumulative effects with other activities and developments within the study area e.g. where interactions occur between the implementation of the Plan and other development such as gas and energy storage within the Larne Basin. The assessment will inform the identification of mitigation measures designed to avoid, reduce or offset impacts. Following an initial assessment of potential effects, an assessment of ‘residual effects’ will be undertaken i.e. taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures.
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4.4.2
SEA Topics This section summarises the main topics that will be covered by the SEA. The topics listed in Table 4.3 below are derived from those set out in the SEA Directive and Regulations. Under each topic a number of important factors have been identified. These factors have been refined from legislation, SEA guidance, the authors’ knowledge of the SEA process, requirements of DETI and an understanding of the potential environmental effects that petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning developments could have on the environment.
Table 4.3: SEA Topics SEA Directive Topics
Biodiversity Flora and Fauna
Cultural Heritage including Archaeological and Architectural Heritage
Landscape
Water
Soils
Important Factors •
Statutory Conservation Designations.
•
Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance.
•
Biodiversity Action Plans.
•
Benthic Ecology.
•
Intertidal Ecology.
•
Fin fish.
•
Shellfish.
•
Birds.
•
Marine Mammals.
•
Invasive Species.
•
Cultural heritage and archaeological sites (terrestrial, marine and intertidal).
•
Landscape character.
•
Seascape character.
•
Visual receptors.
•
Water quality.
•
Water resources.
•
Water Framework Directive (monitoring results).
•
Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
•
Geology (Solid and Drift).
•
Bathymetry and Hydrography.
•
Sediment Transport.
•
Marine Processes.
•
Sediment Contamination.
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SEA Directive Topics
Population and Human Health
Material Assets Climatic Factors
Air
Important Factors •
Noise.
•
See water above.
•
See air quality below.
•
Agricultural.
•
Fishing Activity.
•
Aquaculture.
•
Port activities and Navigation.
•
Recreation and Tourism Interests.
•
Sea Angling.
•
Designated Bathing Waters.
•
Other infrastructure and utilities (pipelines, cables etc).
•
Other planned infrastructure developments.
•
CO2 emissions.
•
Local air quality.
•
Key pollutants.
•
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
•
State of the Environment Report - Local air quality.
Socioeconomic Impacts The topics listed above will form the basis of the assessment. None of the SEA topics as defined in the SEA Directive have been ‘scoped out’ of the assessment. However it should be noted that, whilst some of the activities/uses identified in Table 4.3 could be considered to have a commercial focus (e.g. property); in accordance with SEA legislation and guidance, this SEA will not include a socio-economic assessment of the effects of the Plan on these activities.
SEA Objectives This SEA will use the main SEA topics and related features/components se out in Table 4.3 above as the basis of the assessment rather than developing specific ‘SEA objectives’. The use of SEA objectives is not a statutory requirement of the SEA Directive or SEA Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004, however it has become recognised as standard practice in the SEA process. SEA objectives are a statement applying to a particular topic (e.g. biodiversity) which is then used to establish the effects of the Plan. However, they do not always offer the flexibility required when assessing complex plans or environments, and in some cases can lead to the over or under assessment of issues, or may reduce the overall clarity of the assessment’s conclusions. It is proposed that objectives will therefore not be used for this SEA and instead effects on the SEA ‘topics’, as defined by the Directive and refined for this Plan that will be assessed. The SEA topics are presented in Table 4.3 above.
Assessment Criteria The proposed assessment criteria reflect the strategic nature of this SEA. The general approach to SEA is to identify potentially significant adverse effects. Significance is a measure of the magnitude of a potential effect compared to/in relation to the sensitivity or importance of the receptor e.g. the SEA topics. An accurate and robust determination of effect magnitude or sensitivity of a receptor requires a certain level of qualification or quantification.
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This is generally based on the information contained within the plan or programme being assessed and the information contained within the baseline review. Through research, data collation and monitoring of existing developments, the potential environmental effects of petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning development is relatively well understood. However, given the high level nature of this plan and its national scope, the assessment will not attempt to qualify ‘significance’ in any great detail. For example identifying any differentiation between ‘high’ or ‘medium’ significance is unlikely to be possible when assessing effects on protected species. The assessment undertaken in Part 2 will therefore be based on the criteria outlined in Table 4.4 as follows:
Table 4.4
Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria
Potential Effect
The precise measure for significant adverse effect will vary across the different SEA topics. However, in general, the key factors influencing the potential for a significant adverse effect to occur are likely to include: •
Permanent, long term or irreversible change in baseline conditions e.g. reduction in quality of baseline environment or effect on baseline features (receptors).
•
Direct and indirect effects on baseline features of international or European importance e.g. habitats, species and sites designated under the EU Habitats or Birds Directives, where habitats and species are known to be sensitive to interactions with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
Significant Adverse •
Direct effect on baseline features of national importance (e.g. habitats or species of national value/importance) where habitats and species are known to be sensitive to interactions with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
It should be noted that each SEA topic, and the baseline environment/features (receptors) associated with that topic, will need to be considered on a case by case basis. There is the potential that the criteria listed above will be subject to modification during the assessment to reflect specific characteristics of the baseline environment within Northern Ireland. However, any modifications will be reflective of the main principles of an assessment of significant adverse effect listed above. As above, the measure for adverse effect will vary across the different SEA topics. However, in general, the key factors influencing the potential for a negative effect to occur are likely to include: •
Temporary, short term or reversible change in baseline conditions e.g. reduction in quality of baseline environment or effect on baseline features (receptors).
Adverse
•
Indirect effect on baseline features of national importance (e.g. habitats or species of national value/importance) where habitats and species are known to be sensitive to interactions with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
•
Direct effect on baseline features that are not designated under international, European or national legislation but which are known to be sensitive to interactions with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
Negligible
Negligible effects will be identified where there is likely to be change in baseline, or effect on a baseline feature (receptor), but the level of change/effect will be indiscernible/very slight.
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Assessment Criteria
Potential Effect
Negligible effects may be positive or negative. No Effect
There will be no change in baseline environment/features as a result of the Plan.
Positive
Proposals within the Plan will have a positive effect on the baseline environment/features. Unknown effects will be recorded where there is insufficient information available to accurately determine the level and type of potential effect. This could be due to:
Unknown
•
A lack of baseline data.
•
Limited knowledge on how the Plan would interact with particular baseline features/ characteristics.
•
A lack of knowledge as to whether certain baseline features (receptors) are sensitive to interactions with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
It is proposed that the following system of colour, and symbol, coding will be used in the presentation of the results from the assessment. These colours and symbols reflect the criteria described in the previous Table 4.4. Table 4.5: Assessment Criteria Colour and Symbol Codes Assessment Result
Colour and Symbol Coding
Significant Negative
4.5
XX
Negative
X
Negligible
<>
Neutral or No Effect
0
Positive
Unknown
?
Environmental Report (SEA Stage C) The results from the assessment (SEA Stage B) will be presented in an Environmental Report which will be issued along with the draft Plan for an agreed period of public consultation. The main aim therefore of the SEA and Environmental Report is to provide consultees with the necessary environmental information to inform their views on the proposals within the draft document. The consultation process helps to ensure that the findings from the SEA are accurate and correct and that all potential environmental issues have been dealt with appropriately. All formal responses to the consultation on the Environmental Report will be taken into account in the preparation of the final Plan.
4.5.1 Proposed Content of the Environmental Report The following is a summary of the proposed contents of the Environmental Report (ER): •
- Non Technical Summary (published as a standalone document)
•
- Purpose of SEA
•
- Summary of scoping and how responses from the scoping consultation have been incorporated into the SEA
•
- SEA topics
•
- Approach and method for assessing potential effects (SEA assessment method)
•
- Assessment of alternatives to the Plan
•
- How the preferred alternatives was chosen
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4.6
•
- Why other alternatives considered were rejected
•
- Results from the generic assessment (Part 1)
•
- Results from the site specific assessment (Part 2)
•
- Assessment of cumulative effects (Part 3)
•
- Mitigation measures and residual effects
•
- Monitoring proposals
•
- Next steps
•
- Appendices
Consultation (SEA Stage D) All comments received during consultation on the SEA and draft Plan will be made available on the dedicated website www.sealoughs.co.uk. Following consultation (a 12 week period is proposed) there will be a period of review where all comments received on the SEA and Plan are reviewed, and changes integrated into the final Plan as necessary. Following adoption of the final Plan, an SEA Statement will be prepared. This will document how the findings from the SEA and relevant comments received from public consultation were taken into account in the preparation of the final Plan. This document will also be made available on the SEA website.
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5
5.1
Baseline Data
Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to provide a summary of the baseline data sources that will be used during Stage B of the SEA to inform the assessment. Information has been provided in respect to each of the SEA topics listed in Table 4.3 and includes: •
Sources of baseline data.
•
Summary of current baseline conditions/character with reference to the type of data source.
•
Summary of any trends identified for available/existing data sets e.g. changing population sizes or distributions, as well as indicative key issues in relation to petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning activities.
The main focus of this initial baseline data review is to provide details of environmental information and data that have been identified to date which would be used to inform the environmental assessment. Consultees’ opinions are sought on whether there are any additional or alternative datasets which should be considered. A comprehensive review of these baseline data will be undertaken for the environmental assessment with key information being presented in the Environmental Report. Where possible, the baseline data collated so far have been illustrated in digital GIS maps (see Section I: Figures). These maps will be updated for the environmental assessment to incorporate any additional data identified from consultation on this Scoping Report. Due to the strategic nature of the Plan and therefore this SEA, the baseline data used in the SEA should also be at a strategic level. This baseline data review focuses therefore on sites or features which are designated at a national or international level. More detailed baseline information for example locally protected sites, should be considered through project level environmental assessments as schemes are developed for individual planning applications.
5.1.1
Baseline Data Sources Overview Data have been identified for the following SEA topics: •
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna.
•
Landscape.
•
Cultural Heritage, including Archaeological and Architectural Heritage.
•
Water.
•
Soil.
•
Population and Human Health.
•
Material Assets.
•
Air.
•
Climatic Factors.
Each sub-section below provides an outline of the environment baseline data, and key issues and future trends. Comment is given on the type of data source to indicate its possible applicability and use in the SEA.
5.1.2
The Plan Study Area Overview Belfast Lough
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Belfast Lough is a tidal sea lough at the mouth of the River Lagan. The main rivers in the catchment are the River Lagan, the Woodburn River, Kilroot River, Ballyholme River, Crawfordsburn River and Three Mile Water. Numerous smaller streams exist throughout the area and enter the Lough at various points. The inner region of the Lough contains an inter-tidal area comprising of a series of mudflats, while the outer area is mainly rocky shores, with some sandy bays. The mudflats provide a valuable habitat for a range of bird species and the shallow waters on either side of the main shipping channel, which runs through the middle of the Lough, sustains a growing shellfish industry. The city of Belfast is located at the south western end of Belfast Lough and has the busiest ports in Northern Ireland. Along the southern shore of the lough, there are the population centres of Holywood, Helen’s Bay, Bangor and Groomsport. Along the northern bank, there are the population centres of Greenisland, Carrickfergus and Whitehead. The remainder of the land cover is predominantly agricultural. For the purposes of the SEA, the outer limits of the licensing area is from Blackhead in the north of the lough mouth, to Foreland Point to the south, encompassing Lighthouse Island, Mew Island and Copeland Island.
Larne Lough The Larne Lough catchment drains a land area of approximately 141km2. The Larne (Inver) River rises around Thorny Hill, while the Glynn/Glenoe rises round Drummond’s Hill and like numerous other smaller rivers in the area flows into the Lough. Larne Lough is a sea lough, enclosed on its eastern side by Island Magee. It is mainly shallow, with mud flats to the south exposed at low tide while the north end is wider and deeper. The area also includes Larne Port, which handles substantial passenger and freight traffic. The town of Larne is at the mouth of the lough, with the village of Ballylumbford on the adjacent bank. The remainder of the general study area is rural in nature with agricultural predominating. The north western extent of the licensing area boundary is Devils Churn (to the east of Drains Bay) and the eastern extent terminates at Skernaghen Point.
As a result of the wide region which each study area encompasses, land-based development in each is controlled by different planning authorities and different area plans. The relevant area plans are: •
The Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (Northern Ireland Planning Service, 2004)
•
Belfast Harbour Local Plan 1990 – 2005 (Northern Ireland Planning Service, 1991)
•
Larne Area Plan 2010 (Northern Ireland Planning Service, 1998)
•
Antrim, Ballymena and Larne Area Plan 2016 (Northern Ireland Planning Service, 2002)
As the Plan will be marine based, it is accepted the limit of effects may also extend into UK territorial waters, outside Northern Ireland jurisdiction.
5.1.3
Statutory Permissions For individual petroleum exploration and developments, a number of statutory permissions would need to be obtained in addition to planning consent, prior to the development of any scheme. At this stage it is not known if the Plan and therefore the SEA will have any influence on the awarding of these permissions and as a result details have not been provided. If it is determined that these permissions are of direct relevance to the SAP/SEA, they will be noted in the Environmental Report and the relationship explored to an appropriate level of detail.
5.2
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
5.2.1
Data Sources Data collected will include a brief description of protected species which regularly occur in the area, including details of the legislation which protects them, Table 5.1 give information about the data sources which will be used.
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Table 5.1: Biodiversity Data Sources Data Type and Source
Data Description
Existing and proposed sites (Ramsar sites, SPAs, ASSIs, MNRs, NNRs) (NIEA)
Protected sites at international, European, regional and local levels. Available as a digital data set.
Marine Strategy Part One: UK Initial Assessment and Good Environmental Status
The document sets out the UK characteristics of GES and the associated targets and indicators to guide progress towards GES and describes how these have been developed and why they are being put forward.
OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats
The OSPAR Biological Diversity and Ecosystems Strategy sets out that the OSPAR Commission which includes a list of threatened and/or declining species or habitats.
Atlas of Cetacean Distribution in north-west European Waters
Data on historic cetacean distribution including data from European Seabirds at Sea, Sea Watch data and SCANS data.
Small Cetaceans in the European Atlantic and North Sea (SCANS-II)
Data on the bycatch of cetaceans in the European Atlantic and North Sea.
OSPAR Commission – Overview of the impacts of anthropogenic underwater sound in the marine environment.
A report on how anthropogenic underwater sound impacts marine mammals and fish.
The State of the Seas Report
Report structured around the new requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Northern Ireland Assembly – Committee for the Environment – Marine Bill: DOE Briefing
The DOE briefing for the Marine Bill, which includes information about the status of MCZ sites and information about displacement.
Biodiversity information from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
The data on existing sites and possible sites for future designation available will be used to characterise the environment in terms of its ecology, and also to identify sensitive sites, species and habitats which, while not yet designated, may need to be taken into account in the impact assessment. NIEA information relating to aquatic ecosystems is also used to give baseline information about benthic and intertidal ecology within the study area.
Biodiversity Action Plans
Biodiversity action plans available as reports. These will be used to identify sensitive sites, species and habitats which, while not designated, may need to be taken into account in the impact assessment.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
JNCC may hold records of protected species to which the other recording bodies may not have access. Data should be available digitally.
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
Information on significant sites monitored for their bird interest (mainly Wetland Bird Survey -WeBS).
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Information on the location of significant sites for wintering, migrant and breeding birds
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)
Site specific plant and animal records
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5.2.2
Data Type and Source
Data Description
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
Database of sightings of cetaceans within specific geographical areas.
Belfast and Larne Lough Sanitary Surveys
The sanitary surveys have been undertaken by ABFI as part of Northern Ireland’s obligations under the Shellfish Directive (EU/854/2004) and while they contain information about the microbiologiacal health of each lough, they also give an overview of the bathymetric and flow regimes in each lough. They also gave details of the inputs along the intertidal zone of each lough. Available in report form as a digital copy.
DARD reports – Fish finds in Ballylumford and Kilroot Power stations
DARD used data from the inlet screens at Ballylumford and Kilroot Power Stations to gather information about general fish populations in Belfast and Larne Loughs.
Ballylumford Power Station and Kilroot Power Station
Ballylumford Power Station and Kilroot Power Station should provide more current information about fish species caught in inlet screens.
National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Datasets
The NBN has been updated to include information about marine mammals in Ireland. This information is available to view on their website.
Water Framework Directive (WFD) Ecological Information
The WFD requires the monitoring of all aspects of water quality, including invertebrate assemblages and information about general water body ecology.
DOE Marine Division
DOE Marine Division are the main source of marine data for Northern Ireland.
Statutory Conservation Designations Both Belfast and Larne Loughs are shallow estuarine waterbodies which support species of European conservation importance. Both loughs encompass multiple sites of European conservation importance as well as nationally important sites. In addition, a number of designated sites of European conservation importance are located within 30km of the two loughs. The Habitats Directive requires that potential impacts on European sites should be considered, including sites outside the area under consideration for development. European site designations and their designation features within 30km of the two loughs are summarised in Table 5.2. In addition, both Belfast Lough and Larne Lough have been designated as Ramsar sites because of their important waterbird populations. Ramsar site boundaries are generally coincident with those of the European sites. Conservation sites of national importance (ASSIs) within 5 miles of the loughs are listed in Table 5.3.
Table 5.2: European Designated Sites Within 30km of Belfast Lough and Larne Lough SPA Species Site Name Wintering Population
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Antrim Hills Belfast Lough Belfast Lough Open Water
Redshank (Tringa totanus) Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Copeland Islands Killough Bay
Breeding Population
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota)
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SPA Species Site Name Wintering Population Larne Lough
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota)
Swan Island
Breeding Population Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) Outer Ards Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) SAC Habitats/species Designation features Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide Coastal lagoons Strangford Lough Large shallow inlets and bays Reefs Aughnarragh Lough Marsh fritillary butterfly Turmennan Transmission mires and quaking bogs Blanket bogs Garron Plateau Alkaline fens Marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time The Maidens Reefs (The International designation information for Belfast Lough is shown Figure 2a and for Larne Lough on Figure 2b)
Table 5.3: ASSIs Within 5km of Belfast Lough and Larne Lough Site name
Designation feature
Inner Belfast Lough
Craigantlet Woods
Invertebrate assemblage Wintering bird assemblage (cormorant, black-tailed godwit, curlew, dunlin, eider, goldeneye, great crested grebe, knot, lapwing, mallard, oystercatcher, red-breasted merganser, redshank, ringed plover, scaup, shelduck, turnstone) Wintering bird assemblage (cormorant, black-tailed godwit, curlew, dunlin, eider, goldeneye, great crested grebe, knot, lapwing, mallard, oystercatcher, red-breasted merganser, redshank, ringed plover, scaup, shelduck, turnstone) Maritime cliff and slopes Mudflats, maritime cliff and slopes Invertebrate assemblage Mixed ashwoods
Blaeberry Island Bog
Lowland raised bog
Copeland Islands
Breeding manx shearwater, eider, Arctic tern, common gull Wintering eider Fungi assemblage Higher plant assemblage Wintering bird assemblage (cormorant, curlew, dunlin, eider, golden plover, great crested grebe, lapwing, light-bellied brent goose, oystercatcher, purple sandpiper, redshank, ringed plover, turnstone) Coastal sand dunes, mudflats, intertidal rock, coastal cliff and slopes
Outer Belfast Lough
Ballymacormick Point
Outer Ards
Copeland Reservoir
Bryophyte assemblage
North Woodburn Glen
Mixed ashwoods
North Woodburn
Bryophyte assemblage
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Site name
Designation feature
Reservoir South Woodburn Reservoir
Bryophyte assemblage
Castletown
Lowland meadow
Larne Lough
Invertebrate assemblage Wintering bird assemblage (goldeneye, great crested grebe, light-bellied brent goose, redbreasted merganser, redshank, shelduck) Breeding bird assemblage (common tern, roseate tern, sandwich tern) Saline lagoons, coastal saltmarsh Breeding seabird assemblage (kittiwake, razorbill) Maritime cliff and slopes, intertidal rock Lowland meadow
The Gobbins Newlands
(These national designations are shown in Figure 3a for Belfast Lough and Figure 3b for Larne Lough) Swan Island is designated as a NNR within Larne Lough; it is managed by NIEA. Strangford Lough is also Northern Ireland’s only Marine Nature Reserve. The reserve includes all the waters, seabed and shores (up to high water mark mean tide) of Strangford Lough itself plus those of an area around the mouth of the Lough, extending north to Kearney Village, south to Sheepland Harbour and offshore for a distance of ¼ to ½ a nautical mile. The designation ensures both the conservation of the flora, fauna, landforms and other features of scientific interest and for their further study. Once the Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15) is passed into legislation, Strangford Lough will become a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). There are currently Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) identified by the Scottish Assembly along the western coast of Scotland. According to their current boundary locations, they are not within 30km of the Plan areas.
5.2.3
Northern Ireland Assembly – Committee for the Environment – Marine Bill: DOE Briefing This Hansard briefing note contains information the discussions relating to how MCZ sites will initially be developed and what are the possible restrictions associated with the designation of zones in Northern Ireland. The report identifies how the Scottish Assembly has identified MPAs and how the issues associated with the displacement of the fishing fleet are to be remedied through the interpretation of marine legislation by the Scottish Assembly.
5.2.4
Marine Strategy Part One: UK Initial Assessment and Good Environmental Status The Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which require all EU Member States to take measures to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in their seas by 2020. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive sets out the definition of GES, there are 11 descriptors of GES which are characterised to provide a qualitative description of GES in UK waters and in the context of the wider NE Atlantic Region. This report is the UK initial quality assessment of the marine environment surrounding the UK. It provides a framework for enacting the Directive within in UK waters, through providing proposals for characteristics of GES for the UKs seas.
5.2.5
OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats The Convention for the Protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention) has the remit of assessing which marine species and habitats need to be protected. Part of this remit is to identify a list of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats. In the North-East Atlantic, the Plan area is within Region III – Celtic Seas. The Celtic Seas, extends between 60oN and 48oN and between 5oW and the west coast of Great Britain to a 200m depth contour, to the west of 6oW. Tables 5.4 and 5.5 provide lists of Threatened Species.
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Table 5.4: OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species in the Celtic Seas Region
SCIENTIFIC NAME INVERTEBRATES Arctica islandica Nucella lapillus Ostrea edulis BIRDS Puffinus mauretanicus Rissa tridactyla Sterna dougallii FISH Alosa alosa Anguilla anguilla Centroscymnus coelolepis Centrophorus squamosus Cetorhinus maximus Dipturus batis (synonym: Raja batis) Raja montagui (synonym: Dipturus montagui) Gadus morhua– populations in the OSPAR regions II and III (this is a combined population count) Hippocampus guttulatus (synonym: Hippocampus ramulosus) Hippocampus hippocampus Lamna nasus Petromyzon marinus Raja clavata Rostroraja alba Salmo salar Squalus acanthias Squatina squatina REPTILES Dermochelys coriacea MAMMALS Balaenoptera musculus Eubalaena glacialis Phocoena phocoena
English Name of species which occurs in OSPAR Region III – Celtic Seas
Species is under threat and/or in decline in OSPAR Region III – Celtic Seas
Ocean quahog Dog whelk Flat oyster
No Yes No
Balearic shearwater Black-legged kittiwake Roseate tern
Yes No Yes
Allis shad European eel Portuguese dogfish Leafscale gulper shark Basking shark Common Skate Spotted Ray
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cod
No
Long-snouted seahorse
Yes
Short-snouted seahorse Porbeagle Sea lamprey Thornback skate / ray White skate Salmon [Northeast Atlantic] spurdog Angel shark
Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Leatherback turtle
Yes
Blue whale Northern right whale Harbour porpoise
Yes Yes Yes
For the species which are currently not under threat in the Celtic Seas, this boosts the importance of the population because Celtic Sea may be a refuge for the population to aid global recovery and these areas in the region may have additional levels of species appropriate protection confirmed upon them to allow species recovery. Table 5.5 details the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Habitats in the Celtic Seas Region Table 5.5: OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Habitats in the Celtic Seas Region Description Carbonate mounds Coral Gardens
Habitat Under threat and/or in decline in OSPAR Region III The status of this habitat is to be confirmed in light of survey work being undertaken in Ireland Yes
Deep-sea sponge aggregations
Yes
Intertidal Mytilus edulis beds on mixed and sandy sediments
Yes
Intertidal mudflats
Yes
Lophelia pertusa reefs
Yes
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Maerl beds
Habitat Under threat and/or in decline in OSPAR Region III Yes
Modiolus modiolus beds
Yes
Ostrea edulis beds
Yes
Sabellaria spinulosa reefs
Yes
Seamounts Sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities
Yes
Description
Zostera beds
Yes Yes
This is an overview of the habitats within Region III- Celtic Seas, due to their dependence on base geology and geomorphology, they are not all present within the Plan area, however where they have been identified, their conservation is detailed through habitat action plans (HAP).
5.2.6
The State of the Seas Report The State of the Seas Report is a joint report produced by NIEA and ABFI which provides a comprehensive report on the state of the seas around Northern Ireland. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires that we manage the whole marine environment though a total ecosystem approach.
5.2.7
Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) are designated as part of the area plan process in Northern Ireland. They are a non statutory conservation designation which have been included in Area Plans. NIEA gathers data on areas of conservation importance which do not qualify for statutory designation and these are included in the area plan submissions. Once in the area plan, the site is protected under Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 2 Planning and Nature Conservation. Not every area has integrated SLNCIs into their area plans, with the result that SLNCIs are present adjacent to Belfast Lough, through their integration with the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2015 but they are absent from the Larne Area Plan 1984 - 2010. However, a number of SLNCIs in Carrickfergus Borough, within the BMAP area, are within 5km of Larne Lough. SLNCIs present within 5km of the two loughs are noted in Table 5.6. Table 5.6: Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance within 5km of Belfast Lough and Larne Lough Site name
Location
Designation feature
Belfast Harbour Estate
J382781
Mature ruderal, fen, ornithology.
Tillysburn
J381765
Wetland, grassland, woodland, scrub, pond
Inverary
J377757
Grassland, woodland
Woods at Glenmachan
J395761
Woodland
Belmont Glen
J395754
Woodland
Stormont
J401747
Woodland, scrub, grassland
Craigantlet Woods
J416752
Woodland
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Site name
Location
Designation feature
Campbell College and Ormiston
J391745
Parkland
Ballygomartin River, Glencairn
J303757
Woodland
Upper Forth River
J308758
Woodland
Springfield Pond / Highfield Glen
J331746
Woodland, scrub, stream, pond
Crumlin Road/Upper Hightown Road
J303778J311783
Grassland, flushes, scrub, woodland, pond
Belfast Hills – Squires Hill
J302788
Heath, grassland,scrub.
Lower Carr’s Glen
J315782
Woodland
Cave Hill / Collinward
J307806
Grassland, scrub, heath
Bellevue Bridge
J324814
Grassland
Throne Woodland
J331806
Scrub, grassland
Waterworks
J324771
Ornithology
Alexandra Park
J335764
Stream, scrub, pond.
Between M5 and Railway
J347799
Mature ruderal
Jointure Bay stream
J384861
Wet grassland
Knockagh–Dorisland
J370870
Woodland, grassland
West of Mutton Burn
J437929
Woodland, grassland
Lough Mourne
J413927
Carr, scrub, grassland, lake margin
Copeland Reservoir
J426915
Carr, grassland, scrub. ornithological
Dalway’s Bawn
J442915
Woodland
Castle Dobbs
J442904
Scrub, woodland
Kilroot Stream
J446891
Wet grassland,scrub,woodland
Coast north and south of Cloghan Point
J450887J475913
Scrub, woodland, grassland, spring
Bentra Wood
J456930
Woodland, grassland, scrub, flushes stream,
Antrim Coast (Blackhead to Whitehead)
J488935
Scrub , grassland, sea cliffs
Oakfield
J414893
Woodland
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Site name
Location
Designation feature
Woodburn
J399875
Woodland, grassland, scrub
Glas-na-bradan
J342811
River
O’Neill Rd.
J328818
Grassland, scrub
CarnmoneyHill
J333830
Woodland, grassland
Three Mile Water
J335848
Woodland, grassland, stream
Brookmount Glen
J340854
Stream
Redburn
J400774
Woodland
Holywood Reservoirs
J410779, J411770
Scrub, grassland, carr, swamp
Glen Lyon
J406788
Woodland
Croft Burn
J406791
Stream
Ballymenoch Park
J407794
Parkland, woodland
Creightons Green Reservoir
J429785
Grassland, scrub, lake, carr, swamp,
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and Cultra Glen
J422801
Woodland, scrub, stream
Royal Belfast Golf Club and Camphill
J430814
Woodland, scrub
Rockport Coast and St Columbanus
J438820
Unmanaged grassland and scrub
Crawfordsburn
J466815
Woodland, Grassland, pond, stream
Carnalea Glen and Slopes
J480818
Woodland, streams
Stricklands Glen
J490819
Stream, woodland
Ballysallagh Reservoir
J455784
Grassland, carr, scrub
CairnWoodand Reservoir
J445775, J450774
Lake, scrub, grassland, scrub, woodland, heath, wetland margin flora
Ladies Drive to Westland woods
J468779
Woodland
Edith of Lorne’s Glen
J455811
Woodland
Clandeboye Avenue
J461792
Woodland
Clandeboye
J484776
Woodland, heath, grassland, rocky outcrops, lakes and ponds, carr
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5.2.8
Site name
Location
Designation feature
Rathgael
J496798
Woodland, pond, scrub
Ballygrainey Dismantled Railway
J520786
Scrub, grassland
BlackHill
J445816
Woodland, stream
Glenganagh Estate
J527828
Woodland
Portavo Reservoir
J558826
Ornithological, lake, Grassland, carr, woodland.
Biodiversity Action Plans The UK has produced a biodiversity action plan (UKBAP) as part of the commitment to the Convention of Biological Diversity (Rio Convention). The UKBAP describes the biological resources of the UK and provided detailed plans for conservation of these resources. Following the publication of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy (2002), Northern Ireland produced a series of Habitat and Species Action Plans (HAPs and SAPs) based on a list of Northern Ireland priority habitats and species. The priority habitat and species list has been used as the basis for selecting the features which require Northern Ireland BAPs. These NIBAPs generally outline the conservation status of the species or habitat of concern, and provide targets for improving the conservation status of these features. A number of priority habitats are present in Belfast Lough and Larne Lough and the location of these HAP habitats enlisted in Table 5.7. SAPs also relate to a number of species that occur in the loughs, and these are listed in Table 5.8.
Table 5.7: A Summary of the HAPs which Relate to Belfast and Larne Loughs HAP habitat
Location of Habitat
Tidal Rapids
Larne Lough
Seagrass Beds
Larne Lough / Belfast Lough
Saline Lagoons
Belfast Lough
Mudflats
Larne Lough / Belfast Lough
Sheltered Muddy Gravels
Larne Lough / Belfast Lough
Mud habitats in deep water
Belfast Lough
Marine Cliff and Slope
Belfast Lough (Outer) / Larne Lough (Swan Island)
Coastal Saltmarsh
Larne Lough / Belfast Lough
Table 5.8: Species Action Plans SAP species
Location of species
Light-bellied Brent Goose
Larne Lough
Roseate Tern
Larne Lough
Redshank
Belfast Lough
Local councils may also produce Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) for their own areas, with objectives suited to local conditions.
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In the Belfast Lough area, LBAPs have been devised for the council areas of Belfast and Newtownabby. Belfast Lough is also abutted by the council areas of North Down and Carrickfergus. While these areas do not have their own biodiversity action plans, they do have biodiversity officers, to increase knowledge of biodiversity protection within the council boroughs. Larne Lough is referenced in the Larne LBAP.
5.2.9
Benthic Ecology Benthic Ecology deals with animals living in or on the seabed. Assessments of benthic ecology have formed part of the ecological designation of coastal and transitional waters for the Water Framework Directive. As a result both Larne and Belfast Loughs have been subject to Benthic Invertebrate assessments. Belfast and Larne Loughs are described has having “good” status for benthic invertebrates, that is, no improvement has in the status of benthic invertebrates is required in the next assessment year (2015). The information for Belfast Lough has been derived from the initial 2007 classification which was mandatory. The Bush and Glens Catchment Stakeholder Group, which has a remit over Larne Lough, requested that all information regarding the chemical and ecological quality of Larne Lough for the Water Framework Directive by compiled for the group. The result update for Larne Lough produced a net improvement from the 2007 classification for benthic invertebrates within Larne Lough.
5.2.10
Intertidal Ecology Intertidal ecology deals with the animals and plants which exist between the mean low and high tide marks. In the case of Belfast and Larne Loughs, it is the intertidal areas which have resulted in European designations. Inner Belfast Lough comprises an intertidal area dominated by mudflats, while the outer lough is characterised by rocky shores and occasional sandy bays. Intertidal mudflats are an important feeding habitat for a range of bird species and support nationally and internationally important wintering populations of wildfowl and waders. The Water Framework Directive splits Larne Lough into three sections, Larne Lough North, Larne Lough Mid and Larne Lough South. The Northern water body is industrialised, and incorporates the Port area. It has been designated as a heavily modified water body. Larne Lough South is generally less than 5m in depth and largely composed of intertidal mud flats. The northern basin has a deep channel (approximately 10m) running along the eastern shore, with shallow western area characterised by intertidal mud flats. As is the case with Belfast Lough, the intertidal mudflats support wintering bird populations of European and national conservation importance.
5.3
5.3.1
Fish and Fisheries The fish and fisheries section is divided out into the following sections: •
Fin fish.
•
Shellfish.
•
Aquaculture.
Fin fish There are no commercial fin fisheries in either Larne or Belfast Lough. However there is fisheries information available as part of impingement surveys for the power stations in each of the loughs (Kilroot in Belfast Lough and Ballylumford in Larne Lough). Power station impingement surveys rely on the ingress of fish through a 0.5 m vertical slat entrance grill. Due to the nature of the intake position and flow rates, mobile, midwater and younger fish dominate the samples, with larger stronger fish being able to escape the intake flow. The surveys have been undertaken since 1989, however within the public domain, there is limited information regarding their results. Both loughs are migration routes for migratory fish species moving to and from local rivers e.g. salmon, sea trout, eels and lamprey.
Belfast Lough Between 1989 and 1999 a total of 54 fish species, representing 23 families, were recorded from the intake screens at Kilroot Power Station. Analysis of this population data set has allowed basic conclusions to be derived concerning how
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representative the data is of the fish assemblage in the lough. There is a broad representation of species groups likely to be found in the local area, although estuarine resident species and marine adventitious species tend to dominate in terms of species numbers. In terms of abundance between 1990 and 1999, the Outer Lough fish population is dominated by marine seasonal and marine juvenile species. The marine seasonal species sprat and marine juvenile gadoids (cod, whiting, pollack etc) and clupeids (herring) tend to dominate the biomass of the Outer Lough. This highlights that there is a range of ecological niches available for production in the surrounding area, and the outer lough acts as a nursery ground for juveniles of a range of species, many of which are of economic importance to the Irish Sea commercial fishery. It has been concluded that the fish population of Outer Belfast Lough, based on a long term sampling programme, is rich and diverse, with a wide range of ecological niche utilisation. The consistent usage of the Lough as a nursery ground for mobile pelagic species highlights its broader ecological importance to the fish populations of the Irish Sea.
Larne Lough Fish sampling at Ballylumford power station was conducted on a monthly basis from September 1989 to August 1995. Preliminary analyses of these data indicated strong seasonal trends where both the diversity and abundance of fish species decline during the summer months (May – September). From October 1995 to the present, the sampling effort was therefore reduced to cover the seven month period from October to April. A total of 59 fish species has been recorded from Ballylumford power station between September 1989 and April 2009.
5.3.2
Shellfish There is a commercial fishing activity for shellfish in Larne Lough, however it has had historic issues which have impacted yields that has resulted in shellfish produced being used within the local community, rather than for export. Belfast Lough supports pot fisheries for lobster and whelk, along with scallop dredging in the outer lough.
Pot Fisheries Potting for lobster and crab is a major feature of the Internal Waters fishery along all parts of the NI coast. There is no fishing for these species within Larne Lough but potting does extend into outer areas of Belfast Lough along both the north and south shores. There is also some potting for whelk in the inner lough. The lobster fishery generally involves small vessels (<10m) and data on landings is available from DARD Sea Fisheries. Lobster fishermen on the northern shore are represented by the North Coast Lobster Fishermen’s Association while those on the southern shore belong to the North-East Lobster Fisherman’s Co-operative Society Ltd (NELCO). Both groups have received funding for “V”- notching programmes which have been in operation since the 1990s. “V”notching is a method of preserving lobster stocks which originated in the US and involves the return of egg-bearing female lobsters after cutting a “V”- notch in the tail flap. If subsequently recaptured a “V”- notched lobster must be returned to the water live. Fishermen are compensated by receiving 80% of the market value of each lobster returned to the water. The scheme is now protected by legislation so that it is illegal to land a “V”- notched lobster which can lead to a maximum fine of £5,000. In terms of stock enhancement the initiative is viewed as having been very successful.
Scallop Dredging The NE coast of N Ireland is an important area for scallop fishing which extends into the outer areas of Belfast Lough. King scallop (Pecten maximus) are taken by small vessels towing a group of spring-loaded dredges attached to a beam and fished close in to the shore. Up to 30 Co Down based vessels represented by the Northern Ireland Scallop Fishermen’s Association operate off the east coast and further afield. Most vessels are based in Kilkeel and Portavogie with three operating out of Bangor. Since 1986 scallop fishing has been prohibited from 1 June to 31 October in ICES fishery area VIIa of the Irish Sea to facilitate scallop spawning which takes place during two spawning periods in spring and autumn. This prohibition covers NI waters south of 55°N and includes both Belfast and Larne loughs.
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Scallops must have a minimum shell length of 110mm to be legally landed for commercial use. This minimum legal landing size within ICES rectangle VIIa ensures that scallops spawn at least twice before becoming vulnerable to direct fishing mortality. Further conservation regulations were introduced in 2008 reducing the permitted daily fishing time, limiting the number of dredges fishable by each boat and extending regulation to “fishing by any means” including divers. Scallop surveys are carried out annually by AFBI in five defined areas extending from the southern end of the Ards peninsula to Islandmagee. A considerable body of data has been accumulated since 1985 on relative abundance and age structure of the population.
5.3.3
Birds Both Belfast and Larne Loughs have SPA status, reflecting their importance for bird populations at a European scale. Part of Inner Belfast Lough is also managed as an RSPB reserve. Belfast Lough is particularly important for the numbers of wintering waders, ducks and great crested grebes that it supports. The Belfast Lough RSPB reserve is used by waders and wildfowl, and supports breeding common and Arctic terns. Larne Lough is particularly important for its wintering brent geese, although it also supports good numbers of waders and other wildfowl. There are also nationally important tern colonies within the lough. In both loughs, there have been downward trends in the populations of these designation feature bird species.
5.3.4
Atlas of Cetacean Distribution in north west European Waters The Atlas of Cetacean Distribution in north west European Waters is a high level account of marine mammal distributions in the Atlantic, Central and North Sea regions. In relation to the Celtic Sea channel between the licensing areas of Belfast and Larne Loughs and the Scottish Coast, Harbour porpoises are the most recorded species referenced in the Atlas for this area. In relation to the North Western European distribution of the harbour porpoise, it is mainly confined to shelf waters, though there have been deep water sightings. The Atlas notes seasonal movements are difficult to infer from the survey effort. There is also no information about how harbour porpoises use this area.
5.3.5
Small Cetaceans in the European Atlantic and North Sea (SCANS-II) The original Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea and Adjacent waters (SCANS) survey was conducted in July 1994 and it generated the first large scale abundance estimates for the harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphin and minke whale throughout the North Sea, Kattegat, Skagerrak and Celtic Sea. SCANS-II extended the original SCANS study area to cover the continental shelf waters to the west of Britain, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal. The project was also used to develop and test potential monitoring opportunities and develop a management framework based on abundance estimates and other available information to enable conservation objectives to be met in the short and long term.
5.3.6
Other Cetacean Information available for the Plan area The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have been collating sightings of marine animals in the Plan areas since 1990, and over a 25 year period have collated sightings of: •
Bottlenose Dolphin.
•
Common Dolphin.
•
Leatherback Turtle.
•
Basking Sharks.
•
Killer Whale.
•
Minke Whale.
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This data has the same weakness as the Atlas data because while it does provide information on sightings, it does not give an account of how the species in question is using the area (feeding ground, mating habitat, nursery ground) and if this behaviour is seasonal or unique to the sighting. Common and grey seals are recorded regularly in both loughs.
5.3.7
Invasive Species The following invasive species have been identified in and around Larne Lough: •
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
•
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
•
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
•
Leathery Sea Squirt (Styela clava)
•
Slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicate)
The following invasive species have been identified in and around Belfast Lough, •
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
•
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
•
Japanese weed (Sargassum miticum)
•
Slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicate)
5.4
Cultural Heritage
5.4.1
Baseline data Table 5.9 details the databases used to give information about cultural heritage within the Plan areas. Table 5.9: Data Sources used for Cultural Heritage
5.4.2
Data Type and Source
Data Description
The Historic Monuments Database (Scheduled Monuments) (NIEA)
The data will provide locations of State Care and Scheduled Monuments and Scheduled Zones in Northern Ireland.
Protected Wrecks
This data is available on request from the University of Ulster.
Cultural Heritage Sites Details of onshore cultural heritage sites are available from the NIEA website, they include scheduled zones, scheduled monuments, listed buildings and historic parks, gardens and demesnes. These areas are mapped on Figure 5a (Belfast Lough) and Figure 5b (Larne Lough). Details of marine and freshwater cultural heritage sites have been reviewed. The main pieces of information related to documented wrecks and known wrecks (Source: University of Ulster, Coleraine). Documented wrecks are ship wrecks identified from historical sources. The data set has been derived from all known shipwrecking incidents in a given area, regardless of whether actual wreck remains have been discovered. The value of the data set is that it provides an indication of past shipping activity and intensity and the location of areas of high archaeological potential. The location of the potential wreck data is inexact and based on named features rather than precise co ordinates. Known wrecks have been documented by investigation. This contains information on all known wrecks remains, structures and obstructions in a given area. This is derived from the UK Hydrographical Offices wreck database.
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Details of marine cultural heritage are shown on Figure 4a for Belfast Lough and 4b for Larne Lough.
5.5
Landscape
5.5.1
Baseline Data Table 5.10 details the information sources which will be used as part of the landscape assessment for the SEA. The landscape, seascape and visual study area is defined as the area within 5km of the boundaries of Larne Lough and Belfast Lough. The study area extends eastwards into the Irish Sea and in the case of Belfast Lough extends to 5km east of the bay closing area. Table 5.10: Baseline Data Source Data Type and Source
Data Description
NIEA Website
The NIEA website gives details of Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and landscape designations including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes. This information is available to download.
Northern Ireland Planning Service.
The Northern Ireland Planning Service Website gives details of Areas Plans which include details of Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) and Areas of Townscape Character. This information is available in hardcopy format.
5.5.2
Seascape Character Several seascape character types have been identified within the Larne Lough study area (as described within the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Offshore Wind and Marine Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland (December 2009). These seascape types are associated with the LCAs described above: •
Seascape Type 2 – Inner Sea Lough Enclosed by Narrow Mouth with Raised Hinterland.
•
Seascape Type 3 – Sounds at Mouths of Enclosed Sea Lough and Raised Hinterland.
One seascape character type is present within the Belfast Lough study area: •
5.5.3
Seascape Type 1 – Large Open or Partially Open Sea Lough with Raised Hinterland.
Landscape Character Within the Study Area, there is one Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB which lies to the north of Larne Lough. The study area for Larne Lough is within the following Landscape Character Areas (LCAs): •
LCA 98 Carrickfergus Upland Pastures.
•
LCA 126 Larne Coast.
•
LCA 127 Larne Ridgeland.
•
LCA 128 Island Magee.
•
LCA 129 Carrickfergus Shoreline.
•
LCA 130 Carrickfergus Farmed Escarpment.
(All landscape character areas for Larne are illustrated in Figure 6b)
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The study area for Belfast Lough is within the following Landscape Character Areas (LCAs): • LCA 97 Belfast / Lisburn. •
LCA 98 Carrickfergus Upland Pastures.
•
LCA 99 Outer Ards Coast.
•
LCA 100 Ards Farmlands and Estates.
•
LCA 102 Holywood Hills.
•
LCA 103 Bangor Coastline.
•
LCA 104 Craigantley Escarpment.
•
LCA 111 Divis Summits.
•
LCA 112 Belfast Basalt Escarpment.
•
LCA 114 Three and Six Mile Water Valleys.
•
LCA 128 Island Magee.
•
LCA 129 Carrickfergus Shoreline.
•
LCA 130 Carrickfergus Farmed Escarpment.
(All landscape character areas for Belfast are illustrated in Figure 6a) 5.5.4
Visual Receptors There are a number of population centres on the shores of each lough and in the wider 5km study area. These population centres may experience impacts as a result of any development. Table 5.11 provides the names of the larger receptor settlements and their associated populations. There are also a number of smaller settlements, individual dwellings and farmsteads in the wider study area which have not been named.
Table 5.11: Population Centres in the Study Area Name of Lough
Name of Town / City
Population (2001 census figure)
Belfast
Belfast
276459
Carrickfergus
27201
Newtownabbey
62056
Bangor
58388
Holywood
12037
Greenisland
5050
Helen’s Bay
1362
Groomsport & Crawfordsburn
1404
Donaghadee
6470
Larne
18228
Whitehead
3702
Ballycarry
981
Glynn
641
Larne
Visual receptors will include users of primary and secondary transport routes, such as A and B roads and railways, particularly where these are important scenic routes. Recreational receptors such as visitors to recreational facilities
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(e.g. Country Parks) and users of long distance footpaths and cycleways will also be considered in the SEA. Long distance footpaths include the Antrim Way, which runs through the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, and the Ulster Way, a circular long distance route around Northern Ireland, which passes around parts of Belfast Lough.
5.6
Water
5.6.1
Baseline data Table 5.12 gives details of the data sources used to get information about Local Water Quality Table 5.12: Local Water Quality Data Sources Data Type and Source
Data Description
River Basin Management Plans from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Water Management Unit (WMU)
The River Basin Management Plans for each of the river basin management areas within Northern Ireland have been finalised and data relating to surface and ground water quality is available from NIEA and the EPA. The data will give a baseline of the eixsitng water quality in Northern Ireland and provide details of how and where applicable river basin rehabilitation will take place. This data is available digitally.
State of the Seas Report
Report is a review of the environmental quality of the seas surrounding Northern Ireland which uses the descriptors provided within the MSFD for GES to frame the baseline under these headings and provide a Northern Ireland specific view on existing threats and opportunities to GES.
SeaZone Data
A digital dataset which provides information about uses of each of the loughs and water column mixing.
Relationship between the WFD and MSFD WFD relates to improving and protecting the chemical and biological status of surface waters throughout a river basin catchment from rivers, lakes and ground waters through to estuaries (transitional) and coastal waters to one nautical mile out to sea in Northern Ireland and overlaps with MSFD in coastal waters. Within the objectives, they overlap particularly in relation to chemical quality, the effects of nutrient enrichment (eutorphication) and aspects of ecological quality and hydromorphological quality. MSFD and WFD also have comparable objectives relating to environmental quality, with MSFD focussed on the achievement of Good Environmental Status in marine waters, and WFD aiming to achieve Good Ecological and Good Chemical Status. Whilst Good Environmental Status is not exactly equivalent to Good Ecological/Chemical Status, there are some significant areas of WFD coastal waters extend from Mean High Water mark (1 nautical mile offshore) and for chemical status, this applies to territorial waters (12 miles). The main difference between the Directives is that the scope of Good Environmental Status under MSFD is broader, covering a greater range of biodiversity components and pressures which are not included for coastal water bodies under the WFD (biodiversity for coastal bodies within the WFD covers benthic invertebrates, macroalgae, angiosperms (seagrass and saltmarsh), phytoplankton and estuarine fish, while the MSFD extends this coverage to zooplankton, seabirds, coastal water fish or marine mammals. The MSFD also includes noise, litter, most commercial fish species and the previously mentioned aspects of biodiversity. The assessment scales are also different, with MSFD requiring the achievement of Good Environmental Status at the level of the relevant sub-regions (the Greater North Sea and the Celtic Seas) whereas the WFD assesses the chemical and ecological status of each individual coastal water body. The two Directives also take different approaches to protecting the marine environment. WFD splits the ecosystem into its constituent parts and assesses the individual quality of each part separately, basing overall status on the quality of
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the worst element. In contrast, MSFD takes a more holistic, functional approach, focussing on a set of 11 descriptors which, taken in total to articulate Good Environmental Status.
Water Framework Directive The Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) came into force in December 2000 and establishes a framework for community action in the field of water policy and for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. The WFD is a wide ranging and ambitious piece of European environmental legislation, which provides for a new, strengthened system for the protection and improvement of water quality and dependent ecosystems. The WFD rationalises and updates existing legislation and provides for water management on the basis of River Basin Districts (RBDs). RBDs are essentially administrative areas, with statutorily designated co-ordinating local authorities, for coordinated water management and are comprised of multiple river basins (or catchments). Each RBD has an associated River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) which states how protection and restoration of the water bodies within the RBD will take place. nd
The RBMPs were published in 22
December 2009, however the status review of each watercourse is ongoing.
The Larne Lough and Belfast Lough are part of the North Eastern River Basin District (RBD). The water framework directive has established a framework for the protection of all water including rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and ground water, and their dependent wildlife/habitats under one piece of environmental legislation.
Legislative Context The WFD was transposed into law in Northern Ireland by the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (S.R. 544 of 2003). The main objectives of the WFD is to maintain the “good and high status” of water where it exists, prevent any deterioration in the existing status of waters and to restore at least “good status” in relation to all waters by 2015. The mechanism by which this is to be achieved under the WFD is through the adoption and implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and Programmes of Measures (POMs) for each of the identified RBDs. Status is defined by a range of biological, hydromorphological and physic-chemical quality elements that include benthic invertebrates, fish, macroalgae and angiosperms, and phytoplankton. For both catchments there are 11 key EU Directives. These are: Bathing Water, Birds, Habitats, Major Accidents, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sewage Sludge, Urban Wastewater Treatment, Plant Protection Products, Nitrates and Integrated Pollution Prevention Control. To prevent the duplication in the RBMPs between the 11 existing directives which have a function in protecting water quality and the WFD legislation, all the zones which have current EU protection under the key EU Directives are collated into a register of protected areas.
Relationship between the WFD and other Directives As stated, within the RBMPs, there are POMs which are used to retain and improve water quality within the RBDs. It is the aim of the RBMPs not to conflict with the POMs which currently exist for the other directives and the result is that while the POMs for some of the directives are in national legislation and implemented in this way, other POMs identify specific areas which are to be protected. Table 5.13 details how each of the directives are implemented.
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Table 5.13: The Implementation of Directives associated with the WFD Directive
Implementation Method
The Bathing Water Directive
Designated sites
The Birds Directive
Designated sites
The Drinking Water Directive
Implemented through legislation
The Major Accidents Directive
Implemented through legislation
The EIA Directive
Implemented through legislation
The Sewage Sludge Directive
Implemented through legislation
The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
Designated sites
The Plant Protection Products Directive
Implemented through legislation
The Nitrates Directive
Designated sites
The Habitats Directive
Designated sites
The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive
Implemented through legislation
Shellfish Directive
Designated Sites
Freshwater Fish Directive
Designated Sites
The Nitrates Directive The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) was transposed into Northern Ireland legislation, through the Nitrates Action Programme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. The directive declared the island of Ireland as a Nitrate Sensitive Area and the legislation introduces plans and policies to minimise nitrate pollution while maintaining agricultural production, which is one of the main nitrate polluting industries.
The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive was transposed into Northern Ireland legislation through the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. The directive sets minimum standards for the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water. Where received waters are vulnerable to eutrophication the directive requires a higher standard of treatment and the receiving waters are identified as sensitive areas. Inner Belfast Lough is designated under the directive.
Legislation to be replaced by the WFD The Freshwater Fish Directive (2006/44/EC) and the Shellfish Directive (2006/113/EEC) are pieces of legislation designed to protect fisheries and aquaculture water within Europe and both are to be replaced by the WFD in 2013. All the protection which is currently inferred by these directives will be maintained and encompassed by the WFD.
Freshwater – Local Management Areas (LMAs) Both Belfast Lough and Larne Lough are subject to their own LMAs. Table 5.14 give details of the 2009 status of rivers within each of the plan areas.
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Table 5.14: The 2009 Status Belfast Lough and Larne Lough 2009 Status LMA Name
Total No of Rivers in LMA
Number of Rivers with good status
Number of Rivers with moderate status
Number of Rivers with poor status
Number of Rivers with GEP status
Number of Rivers with MEP status
Number of Rivers with PEP status
Number of Rivers with BEP status
Belfast Lough
6
1
-
2
-
2
-
1
Larne Lough
2
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
Coastal Waters Within the WFD, coastal waters are defined as “that area of surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breath of territorial water is measured, extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters”. Table 5.15 details their current and proposed status of the coastal waters in Belfast and Larne Lough. Table 5.15: The Status of Coastal Waters in Belfast and Larne Loughs 2009 Status LMA Name
Total No of coastal water bodies in LMA
Number of Rivers with good status
Number of Rivers with moderate status
Number of Rivers with poor status
Number of Rivers with GEP status
Number of Rivers with MEP status
Number of Rivers with PEP status
Number of Rivers with BEP status
Belfast Lough
2
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
Larne Lough
3
-
2
-
1
-
-
-
Groundwater Bodies Within Belfast Lough, out of the three groundwater bodies identified, one failed to achieve good status. This was considered to be due to water balance and nitrate levels. All of the groundwater bodies in Larne Lough LMA (two in total) are achieving good status.
Flooding The EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) requires member states to assess if all water courses and coast lines are at risk from flooding, to map the flood extent and assess humans at risk in these areas and to take adequate and coordinated measures to reduce this flood risk. In Northern Ireland, the Rivers Agency is responsible of meeting the Flood Directive obligations. As a result of the directive, there have been registers of historical flooding created, the Rivers Agency, also include data associated with water level change associated with climate change.
5.7
Soils
5.7.1
Baseline Data Table 5.16 gives an overview of the Soils (and Geology) data sources which will be used to develop the baseline.
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Table 5.16: Soils (and Geology) Data Sources Data Type and Source
Data Description
NIEA contaminated land database
This data shows that areas of land with known existing contamination. Currently not digitally available but potentially available on request.
5.7.2
Geoindex
Geological information including on solid and drift geology in a digital viewer interface.
Georecords
Georecorded contains information about individually registered boreholes.
Tellus
Geochemical and geophysical maps of northern Ireland.
SMILE Data
This data source provides an overview of the bathamety and hydrologic regime within each of the plan areas.
DETI Mineral Extraction Information
DETI hold information about mining and exploration licences on their website.
Geology of Northern Ireland
Book published to details the geology of Northern Ireland. Hard copy only.
SPRES Project Information
The SPRES Project provides information about how to deal with oil spills in certain European ports, including Belfast Lough. In the case of this section, the information collected by SPRES has been used to inform the information gathering associated with sediment transport and marine processes.
Islandmcgee Storage Website (www.islandmageestorage.com)
Details of the geology within the area of the development.
SeaZone data
The dataset will provide baseline information on some of the sediment processes within each of the loughs.
DETI/BGS Multibean Survey Data
This dataset will provide information about the bathymetry of the east Antrim Coast.
Geological Overview (Solid and Drift) Belfast Lough The Belfast harbour area has been identified as being under layed by red conglomerates, sandstones, red grey mudstones and laminated silty limestones of the Holywood Group succession (Lower Carboniferous) are subdivided into a number of formations. The coastal outcrop strip is dominated by the interbedded siltstones, mudstones and limestones of the Ballycultra Formation, which is found in faulted contact with Lower Palaeozoic strata to the north and Triassic to the south. Larne Lough Islandmagee/Larne Lough area, the solid geology varies, incorporating igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Triassic to Tertiary age, while the Larne Ridgeland is generally cretaceous greensands and limestone or Tertiary basalts.
5.7.3
Bathymetry and Hydrography Belfast Lough
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Belfast Lough is a shallow semi-enclosed bay separated from the North Channel with a maximum depth of approximately 20m at its limit. Hydrodynamic modelling of the Lough was undertaken by AFBI as part of the Sustainable Mariculture in Northern Irish Sea Loughs (SMILE) Project. As part of the SPRES Project, flow systems within the inner Lough was defined as a simple oscillatory system and in the outer lough, the flow system was defined as a “clockwise rotary pattern of water movement”. Larne Lough Larne Lough is a shallow marine bay which can be split into north and south basins, generally referred to as the Outer and Inner Lough areas. The Outer Lough area has a channel approximately 10m depth running along the eastern shore, whilst the western shore is comprised of large mudflats. The Inner Lough area is generally shallower (less than 5m depth) and consists mainly of intertidal mudflats. The Outer Lough has been identified as well flushed with a short residence time whereas the Inner Lough is poorly flushed with a long residence time. The circulatory system in each is ossalatory, however due to the amounts of water inundating the loughs, they deposit at different rates. Table 5.17 shows the physical characteristics for each lough. Table 5.17: Characteristics for Each Lough Lough Characteristics Volume Total (millions Area 3 2 m) (km )
Maximum Depth (m)
Catchment Area (km2)
Temperature range (oC)
Mean Salinity
Flushing Time (days)
Belfast Larne
23 10
900 115
2-21 4-18
28 33
1.8 2.-20
1548 27
130 8
Freshwater Run-off (millions m/y) 1022 101
The disparity in flushing times within Larne Lough relate to the impingement between the northern, middle and lower loughs. The initial analysis related to microbiologial contamination of maraculture but analysis took place using inert molecules.
5.7.4
Sediment Transport Both Belfast and Larne Loughs contain mudflats which have differing influences on how sediment is transported within the plan areas. In the parts of each plan area which are not used as commercial ports and harbours, sediments are transported using the flow regime which exists in each of the lough sections. However both Belfast and Larne Port authorities use dredging as part of their maintenance activities and as such would influence deposited sediments and those which are disturbed as a result of dredging processes.
5.7.5
Marine Processes The Belfast Lough marine processes have been modelled to detail the amount of stratification within the water column of each part of the lough (inner and outer). In both cases the water column is sufficiently mixed to not record any density differences in each part of the lough or allow algae growth become an issue through dormancy in the water column. As stated previously, there are different residency times in the Northern section of Larne Lough, which incorporates the Port area. The mid and southern parts of the lough have slower flushing times and as a consequence, fewer density extremes resulting in a gradiated water column between the difference section of the lough.
5.7.6
Sediment Contamination While both loughs have industrial part which contain port activity, Belfast Lough has been used as an example for how zinc residues present in sediments can be used to trace how factories within the Belfast Harbour have been improving their environmental standards.
5.7.7
Aggregate Extraction There is currently no aggregate extraction within the Plan area.
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5.8
Population and Human Health
5.8.1
Baseline Data Table 5.18 details the baseline data used for population and human health. Table 5.18: Population and Human Health Data Sources Data Type and Source
Data Description
Noise Mapping
Under the Environmental Noise Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 which enacts EU directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive), draft guidance on noise and associated noise mapping has been introduced to Northern Ireland. There is intial noise mapping for Northern Ireland available.
Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service (NINIS)
NINIS provides population information about electoral wards within Northern Ireland. It includes information about agricultural practices and general population information.
2011 Northern Ireland Farm Census
The census provides information about farm size and practices in Northern Ireland.
SMILE Data
Smile data give information about the total aquaculture area and how it is utilised.
Department of Transport Port Movement Statistics
The data provides an overview of the amount of traffic which has been through the main ports in the UK.
Outdoor NI
Provides data about the lough based recreation and coastal amenities around the Plan areas. Available through interactive maps, however there is no download facility.
NIEA
Data source associated with bathing water quality in the Plan areas. Available digitally.
Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service (NINIS)
NINIS provides population information about electoral wards within Northern Ireland. It includes information about agricultural practices and general population information.
2011 Northern Ireland Farm Census
The census provides information about farm size and practices in Northern Ireland.
SMILE Data
Smile data give information about the total aquaculture area and how it is utilised.
Department of Transport Port Movement Statistics
The data provides an overview of the amount of traffic which has been through the main ports in the UK.
DARD
DARD hold information on all agricultural and aquaculture within the Plan area.
Royal Navy multibeam data (outer Belfast Lough)
Details of the bathymetry of Belfast Lough.
SeaZone Data
This dataset will provide information about the harbours, shipping lanes, and dredging within each of the loughs.
Admiralty Charts for each of the loughs
This dataset will provide information about the shipping lanes within each of the loughs.
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5.8.2
General Agricultural Information Belfast Lough There are four council areas which border the Plan area in at Belfast Lough, these are Belfast, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and North Down. Within these council areas, there are a total of 393 registered farms. Of the 393 registered farms, 276 were recorded in the 2011 Northern Ireland Farm Census as very small farms, 58 were recorded as small farms, 41 were recorded as large farms and the remaining 18 were recorded as medium farms.
Larne Lough The Larne Lough Plan area is encompassed by one council, Larne District Council. Within the council area, there is a total 530 farms registered as part of the 2011 Northern Ireland Farm Census. Of these, 373 are registered as very small, 89 are registered as small, 41 are registered as large farms and the remaining 27 are medium farms.
5.8.3
General Business Information Belfast Lough Within the four council areas which border the Plan area of Belfast Lough, there were 12915 Vat and/or PAYE registered businesses.
Larne Lough Within the Larne council area, there were 1205 Vat and/or PAYE registered businesses.
5.8.4
Noise Preliminary strategic noise mapping and associated noise action plans, undertaken as part of the implementation of the EU Directive 2002/49/EC, will be reviewed for relevance to this study.
5.8.5
Aquaculture Both loughs are designated under the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EC), subsequently repealed by the codified Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC).
Belfast Lough Belfast Lough has become a major aquaculture production area over the last 25 years based entirely on the culture of Blue mussel (Mytilis edulis). At present there appear to be 25 sites licensed for shellfish production in the lough although not all of these are currently in use. Mussel are produced by bottom culture based on re-laid seed (or spat) for growing on to harvest size. The spat is dredged from known areas around the Irish coast where it has settled in abundance – this takes place between July and November, and the seed is re-laid at lower density to promote improved growth and meat content. Harvesting generally takes place during the winter although dredging operations can occur throughout the year to manage predators, or to thin and relay stock. In 2004 DARD initiated the SMILE project, a two-year study with the aim of “developing dynamic ecosystem level carrying capacity models for the five sea lough systems in Northern Ireland” (SMILE Report, 2007). This exercise estimated a sustainable rate of production for the lough at 6,000 tonnes of mussel. Annual production of mussel in Belfast Lough has been in the order of 10,000 tonnes; full data on annual production is available from DARD Sea Fisheries.
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Larne Lough There are five areas licensed for shellfish aquaculture in Larne Lough extending over 70ha, with specific sites licensed for production of one or more species. Cultivation has focussed on Blue mussel and Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), while native oyster (Ostrea edulis), Manila clam (Tapes semidecussata) and native clam are also produced. Mussel are produced by bottom culture as in Belfast Lough. Native oyster are also bottom grown, as are clams which are placed in the inter-tidal area. Pacific oyster are grown in bags on trestles placed on the inter-tidal area and reach market size in 2-3 years. The produce is harvested during the winter months for sale to specialist outlets in Europe. Due to its limited area the lough will never be a major producer of shellfish in comparison to other sea loughs in N Ireland. The SMILE Project estimated a sustainable rate of production for the lough at 300 tonnes of mussel and 9 tonnes of Pacific oyster. Since 1998 there have been continuing problems with water quality which have impacted on production. Mussel production peaked at 200 tonnes 2003 and 04 but has since declined to a negligible level, while production of Pacific oyster has declined from 30 tonnes 1998 to a very low level in recent years. Further details on annual production are available from DARD Sea Fisheries. Producers are represented by the Larne Lough Shellfish Association and have embarked on a significant development programme for the lough through the re-introduction of native oyster. Larne Lough remains a disease-free area and local producers have developed a new hatchery technology with a view to establishing micro-hatcheries in each shellfish bay in Ireland.
5.8.6
Fishing Activity Within the Belfast and Larne Lough, the majority of fishing activity pertains to commercial shellfish cultivation. Table 5.19 shows the area of the catchment used for aquaculture and what species are farmed. There is some pot fishing in Belfast Lough, mainly for lobster along north and south shores of outer lough. Table 5.19: SMILE Data Held on the Aarea of the Loughs used for Aquaculture and the Species Farmed
5.8.7
Name of Lough
Number of Licensed sites
Total Aquaculture Area 2 (km )
Species
Belfast
25 licensed sites (12 in production).
7.5.
Mussels
Larne
6
0.9
Clams, Mussels and Oysters
Port Movements Information has been gathered regarding the loads which enter and leave Belfast and Larne in comparission to the rest of Northern Ireland. Belfast Port is ran by the Belfast Harbour Estate, which is publically owned and Larne Port is privately owned by Larne Harbour Limited. Both contain shipping lanes and both have regular passanger and freight shipments. The main harbours in the Plan area are Belfast and Larne. Tables 5.20 and 5.21 show the tonnage of goods which go through Belfast and Larne ports in comparison to Northern Ireland as a total. Table 5.20: Tonnage of Goods Through the Principal Ports in Northern Ireland 2001 - 2011 (Inward Traffic) Year
Belfast
Larne
Northern Ireland Total
2001
9804
1852
14955
2002
9197
2212
14736
2003
9473
2295
15250
2004
9867
2687
16322
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Year
Belfast
Larne
Northern Ireland Total
2005
9826
2985
16558
2006
9889
2990
17143
2007
9704
2890
16512
2008
9143
2749
15860
2009
8407
2299
13743
2010
8600
2419
14837
2011
8614
2306
14465
Table 5.21: Tonnage of Goods Through the Principal Ports in Northern Ireland 2001 - 2011 (Outward Traffic) Year
Belfast
Larne
Northern Ireland Total
2001
3598
1668
6212
2002
3628
2083
6627
2003
3728
2025
6724
2004
3691
2297
7070
2005
3674
2511
7497
2006
3625
2498
7342
2007
3712
2574
7356
2008
3897
2417
7638
2009
3643
1998
7043
2010
4227
2194
8074
2011
4947
2089
8787
Categorisation of Waters within the Plan Areas The waters which are used by passenger ships (specifically Class IV, V and VI) are categorised by four water types. These are defined within the Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1827 – Categorisation of Waters. The four types of categorised waters are: • •
Category A: Narrow Rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally less than 1.5 metres. Category B: Wider rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally 1.5 metres or more and where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 0.6 metres at any time.
•
Category C: Tidal rivers and estuaries and large, deep lakes and lochs where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 1.2 metres at any time.
•
Category D: Tidal rivers and estuaries where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 2.0 metres at any time.
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Table 5.22 notes the category under which the water body is classified. Table 5.22: Details of the Study Area Water Body Categories
5.8.8
Region or Location Belfast Lough
Category Category C – Within a line from Holywood to Macedon Point
Larne Lough
Category D – In summer within a line from Carrickfergus to Bangor Category C – Within a line from Larne Pier to the ferry pier on Island Magee
Recreation and Tourism Interests In Belfast and Larne Loughs, there is informal recreation which encompasses the Lough shores, to formalise how the Loughs are utilised, Table 5.23 details the recreation providers which identify the loughs as their base of operations and the facilities which already exist in and around each lough. Table 5.23: Recreational and Tourism Resources in the Plan area Location of Recreation Facility
Description of Recreation Facility
Adventure Team
Belfast Lough
Outdoor Activity Provider
MT Sail and Power
Belfast Lough
Outdoor Activity Provider
Just Add Adventure
Belfast Lough
Outdoor Activity Provider
D V Diving
Belfast Lough
Outdoor Activity Provider
Clandeboye Way – Helens Bat to Whitespots Country Park
Belfast Lough
Coastal Walk
North Down Coastal Path
Belfast Lough
Coastal Walk
Comber Greenway
Belfast Lough
Urban / rural walk
Orlock Point
Belfast Lough
Coastal Walk
Belfast Lough
Coastal Walk with enhanced access.
Name of Recreation Facility
Rambles for people with limited mobility – Crawfordburn County Park, Glen Ramble Highway to Health, Whitehead
Larne Lough
Public health route, part of which is coastal.
Highway to Health Carrick
Larne Lough
Public health route, part of which is coastal.
Highway to Health Whiteabbey Hospital
Larne Lough
Public health route, part of which is coastal.
Carnmoney Hills
Larne Lough
Walk which has coastal views
Skernaghan Point
Larne Lough
Coastal Walk
Carnfunnock Country Park
Larne Lough
Park which has coastal views
Glenoe Waterfall
Larne Lough
Walk which has coastal views
Linn Glen
Larne Lough
Walk which has coastal views
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Location of Recreation Facility
Description of Recreation Facility
Belfast Lough Cycleway
Belfast Lough
Coastal cycleway
Larne to Browns Bay
Larne Lough
Cycleway
Larne to Red Bay
Larne Lough
Cycleway
Lagan and Lough Cycle Way
Larne Lough
Cycleway
Islandmagee
Larne Lough
Cycleway
Knockagh
Larne Lough
Cycleway
East Coast Canoe Trail
Along the mouths of Larne Lough and around outer Belfast Lough.
Canoe Trail
Name of Recreation Facility
It is accepted that each lough will contain some type of informal activity in line with the facilities described in table 5.23. However the extent, to which any of these activities will be impacted as a result of petroleum exploration and production, is not yet known.
5.8.9
Sea Angling The term sea angling encompasses angling from boats on the water and along the shore. There is anecdotal evidence that this is a major activity in the Plan areas, however there is very little formal evidence of the extent of the activity. AFBI are currently undertaking a survey into participation in the activity and the governing body for the sport is the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers.
5.8.10
Identified Bathing Waters The identified bathing waters in the catchment are designated under directive 2006/7/EC of the European parliament and the Council concerning the management of bathing water quality and repealing Directive 76/160/EEC. This legislation is transposed into Northern Ireland legislation through the “Quality of Bathing Water (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008 and through the Ireland legislation as the “Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008”. In both sets of legislation, there are microbiological criteria to be met, Table 5.24 show the criteria to gain an “Excellent”, “Good” or “Sufficient”.
Table 5.24: The Coastal and Transitional Water Microbiological Classification Standards Parameter
Excellent
Good
Sufficient
Intestinal enterococci1
1002
2002
1853
Escherichia coli
1
2
250
2
500
3
500
(Table 5.24 is based on the Quality of Bathing Water (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008) 1
Colony forming units per 100 mililitres (cfu/100ml)
2
Based upon a 95-percentile evaluation
3
Based upon a 90-percentile evaluation
Browns Bay, in the vicinity of Larne Lough was recorded as “excellent” in 2012 and in Belfast Lough, Crawfordburn, Helens Bay, Groomsport and Ballyholme were recorded has “good” to “excellent” ratings for 2012. More information about the methodology is available at www.ni-environment.gov.uk/water-home/quality/bathingqualityni.htm.
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5.9
Material Assets
5.9.1
Baseline Data Sources Table 5.25 provides details of information sources relevant to material assets within the plan area. Table 5.25: Material Assets Baseline Data
5.9.2
Data Type and Source
Data Description
Mutual Energy Website
Information on the Moyle Interconnector
Premier Transmission Website
Information on the Scotland to Northern Ireland natural gas transmission pipeline (SNIP) and associated pipeline infrastructrure.
Islandmagee Storage Website (www.islandmageestorage.com)
Details of the project to store natural gas in man made salt caverns under Larne Lough
DOE Marine Division
DOE Marine Division are the holders of all marine information in Northern Ireland.
Other Infrastructure Along with the ports and towns present in the plan area, in proximity to the plan areas, there is the Moyle Interconnector, the Scotland to Ireland Pipeline and the gas storage facility (partially approved) in Islandmagee.
The Moyle Interconnector The Moyle Interconnector is a sub sea electricity cable which connects the electricity grids of Ireland and Scotland, the link has the capacity of 500MW. The link is based between Islandmagee, Co. Antrim and Auchencrosh in Ayrshire Scotland.
The Scotland to Northern Ireland Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline The pipeline runs from Twynholm in Scotland to Ballylumford, which is a 24 inch diameter, 135km long pipeline. It transports gas to Ballylumford Power Station which generates approximately 50% of Northern Ireland electricity needs. There are two other pipelines, a 9km 600mm pipeline which crosses Belfast Lough and a 3km, 200mm pipeline which crosses Larne Lough, which supply the downstream market.
5.9.3
Other Planned Infrastructure Islandmagee Storage In October 2012, the landward development of a subsea natural gas storage facility was given planning permission by the Northern Ireland Planning Service. The facility is still subject to a marine licence determination, a Water Order consent and a seawater abstraction licence.
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5.10
Climate Factors
5.10.1
Baseline Information Table 5.26 gives a description of the information sources used to give a baseline of Climate Factors. Table 5.26: Climate Factors Baseline Information Data Type and Source
Data Description
Green House gas reports:
These documents include calculations of greenhouse gas emissions including previous inventories and estimates to 2025
Measurement of Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: UK Climate Impacts Programme: UK Climate Projections (UKCP09)
The UK Climate Projections give climate information for the UK st up to the end of the 21 Century. Local scale (25km grid square) and regional (NI) projections of climate change can be generated using the UKCP09 UK Climate Projections User Interface.
Preparing for a changing climate in Northern Ireland
This document details how Northern Ireland should prepare for climate change, while it does cover some industrial processes; it only gives a brief overview how extraction industries will be impacted.
Northern Ireland and Ireland have commitments under the Kyoto Protocol to limit greenhouse gasses over the 2008 2012 period to no more than an average of 62.8Mtonne CO2 (13% above 1990 levels) In Northern Ireland, the data trend does not exist to establish whether existing emission regulations are correlating with an upward or downward trend in emissions (www.ni-environment.gov.uk/stateoftheenvironmentreportfornorthernirelandsummarydocument.pdf). In Ireland the trend data still indicates an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. It is commonly accepted that one of the potential impacts of climate change may be sea level change. Table 5.27 shows the projected sea level change for Belfast, which shows estimates the relative sea level change (cm) with respect to 1990 levels. Table 5.27: The estimated sea level change around Belfast from 2000 to 2020 relative to 1990 levels. Belfast Sea Level Change (cm) Year
High
Medium
Low
2000
2.3
1.7
1.3
2010
4.9
3.8
2.8
2020
7.8
6.0
4.6
(Source: http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/content/view/2145/680/) While sea level change in Belfast cannot be transposed directly into the Larne Lough Plan area, it does illustrate the trend for sea level rise across all CO2 emission scenarios. The SNIFFER document “Preparing for a changing climate in Northern Ireland”, details the threats and opportunities which exist for certain enterprises in Northern Ireland, they are presented as •
Natural Environment.
•
Built Environment.
•
Economic Infrastructure.
•
Social Wellbeing.
The threats and opportunities for infrastructure are assessed; however there is no information about how climate change
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will impact extractive industries. There is information about how climate change would impact coastal businesses, primarily relating to coastal inundation of premises.
5.11
Air Quality
5.11.1
Baseline Information Table 5.28 gives details of the baseline data sources used for air quality. Table 5.28: Air Quality Baseline Sources Date Type and Source
Data Description
State of the Environment Report
The first State of the Environment Report detailed air quality objectives that were to be met as monitoring of the environment was reported on a yearly basis.
2013 Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report
The Environmental Statistics Report gives details of what the state funded environmental monitoring programs have recorded and where necessary give reasons for non compliance.
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA)
Designated air quality management areas adjacent to the Plan area.
All industrial processes are regulated for their effect on air quality and noise. In its most direct form, the generators used to extract petroleum will have an air quality impact that will be regulated. The first State of the Environment Report for Northern Ireland identifys the air quality issues across Northern Ireland and has produced emission goals and targets which in the future may be the air quality compliance standards. Since the first State of the Environment Report for Northern Ireland, there have been yearly updates based on the previous year’s compliance, as table 5.29 illustrates.
Table 5.29: Air Quality goals and targets from the First State of the Environment Report and key points raised by the 2013 Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report. First State of the Environment Report for Northern Ireland
2013 Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report – Key Points for Air and Climate 3
The objective is set for an hourly mean limit of 200ug/m 3 and an annual mean limit of 40 ug/m for nitrogen dioxide. No more than 18 exceedences of the hourly limit values are allowed per year. Both these standard have been achieved by Dec 2005 and maintained thereafter.
In 2010, greenhouse gas emissions were almost 15% lower than in 1990, when monitoring of such emissions commenced. However, emissions have increased between 2009 and 2010 by almost 4%. This increase is mostly attributable to consecutive cold winters and an increase in fossil fuel use as a consequence.
The objective is set for an annual mean limit of 20ug/m3 for sulphur dioxide. It also sets objectives for a 1 hour mean limit of 350ug/m3 which is not to be exceeded more than 24 times a year and a 24 hour mean limit of 125ug/m3 which is not to be exceeded more than 3 times a year. These standards were to be achieved by Dec 2004 and maintained thereafter. A further objective for a 15 minute mean of 266ug/m3 which is not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year was to be achieved by Dec 2005.
In 2011/12, 1,164,000 MWh of electricity in Northern Ireland was produced from indigenous renewable sources. This was equivalent to 14.3% of total electricity consumption in that period. There has been a sizable increase in the amount of electricity produced from indigenous renewable sources since 2001/02, when only 128,000 MWh (1.5% of total electricity consumed) was generated from renewable sources.
3
Objectives for an annual mean limit of 40ug/m for PM10. 3 It also set a daily mean limit (24-hour mean) of 50ug/m which is not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year.
In 2002/03, DOE Planning received 31 applications for environmental installations, such as wind turbines, wind farms, solar panels, hydroelectric schemes etc. In
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First State of the Environment Report for Northern Ireland
2013 Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report – Key Points for Air and Climate
These should have been achieved by Dec 2004 and maintained thereafter. In the future, PM10 objectives may be replaced by an exposure reduction approach using the finer particulates PM2.5 fraction.
2011/12, 823 applications were received, more than twenty six times as many applications as 2002/03. The availability of renewable energy grants by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through its Rural Development Programme may partially explain this large increase.
3
Objectives for an 8 hour mean of 100ug/m ozone not to be exceeded more than 10 times a year. These standards should be achieved by Dec 2005 and maintained thereafter. Ozone precursors including oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also limited under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive. The UK target under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive is 297 thousand tonnes (kt) ammonia (NH3) emissions by 2010. The Northern Ireland emissions are part of the UK total and there is no separate target. Targets have been set out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025 and carbon dioxide by 30% below 1990 levels by 2025.
5.11.2
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) The councils adjacent to the Plan areas have a statutory responsibility to designate areas where air quality is monitored for improvement, these areas are AQMAs. There are no AQMAs recorded within the Larne Lough Plan area and there are seven within the Belfast Lough Plan area. Table 5.30 gives the council name, the location of the AQMA and the reason for declaration. Table 5.30: AQMA locations adjacent to the Plan area. Council Name
AQMA location
Reason for declaration
Belfast
An area encompassing the M1 / Westlink corridor from the Belfast City boundary at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park to the end of the Westlink at the junction with Great Georges Street and York Street including Stockmans Lane and Kennedy Way.
Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate Matter < 10 µm
Cromac Street to the junction with East Bridge Street and then from East Bridge Street to the junction with the Ravenhill and Albertbridge Roads and Short Strand.
Nitrogen dioxide
The Upper Newtownards Road from the North Road junction to the Belfast City boundary at the Ulster Hospital incorporating the Knock Road to the City boundary at Laburnum Playing Fields and Hawthornden Way.
Nitrogen dioxide
The Ormeau Road from the junction with Donegall Pass to the Belfast City boundary at Galwally.
Nitrogen dioxide
An area comprising 2-83 Main Street, Ballyclare.
Nitrogen dioxide
An area encompassing parts of Antrim Road,
Nitrogen dioxide
Newtonabbey
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Council Name
AQMA location
Reason for declaration
Glengormley A number of individual houses comprising 7 Sandyholme Way, 3 Sandyholme Way, 5 Sandyholme Way, 13 Sandyholme Park, 14 Sandyholme Park.
Nitrogen dioxide
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6
6.1
Potential Environmental Effects
Introduction The purpose of this section is to identify the key environmental issues associated with the implementation of the Plan. A summary of the generic environmental effects associated with petroleum exploration, production and decommissioning are presented in Table 6.1. (The reader should refer to Chapter 2 for a description of activities associated with oil and gas developments.) Although the Plan relates to internal waters it is noted that directional drilling could be employed from onshore and other onshore infrastructure may be required. It is therefore necessary to consider effects on both marine and terrestrial receptors. It should be noted that this list is not definitive and will be further informed by feedback from stakeholders during the scoping consultation. Furthermore, during consultation a workshop will be held with parties that have an interest in petroleum exploration and environmental protection in order to provide additional information on the types of effects which should be considered in the assessment.
Table 6.1: Generic Potential Effects SEA Directive Topics
Overview of Potential Effects
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
•
Impacts on sensitive species from noise and vibration during all phases e.g. seismic surveys, vessel movements, drilling, decommissioning.
•
Introduction of potentially invasive non-native species through movements of borehole drilling rigs.
•
Physical disturbance of habitats during installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
•
Direct habitat loss from benthic habitats due to installation of offshore infrastructure.
•
Smothering of benthic habitats and benthic spawners.
•
Exclusion from feeding and breeding areas.
•
Recovery of fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems resulting from the exclusion of fishing activities around petroleum exploration and production sites.
•
Risks associated with oil spills.
•
Risks of contamination resulting from exploration and production exclusive of oil spills.
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SEA Directive Topics
Overview of Potential Effects
Landscape (also encompassing Seascape)
Landscape / Seascape •
The scale, form and features of the activity associated with petroleum exploration could prove inappropriate and intrusive in the context of the existing landscape or seascape character.
•
The exploration activity could result in damage to important and distinctive landscape or seascape components, features and characteristics.
•
The exploration activity could affect the integrity of national, regional or locally designated landscapes and / or important landscape features.
•
The development and its associated infrastructure (including onshore infrastructure) may result in the loss of landscape features e.g. woodland, mature trees.
•
The development may have indirect impacts on the character of neighbouring landscapes, due to the introduction of large scale features and / or loss of landscape features, in views from the surrounding area.
•
Decommissioning activities are anticipated to be similar in nature to construction activities.
•
The decommissioning phase may result in the restoration of the landscape which has been disturbed in previous phases, and therefore adverse effects identified in the exploration and production phases may be removed.
Visual •
Exploration activities could result in adverse effects on visual receptors on the shores of the loughs and in the wider study area, through the introduction of uncharacteristic elements into the view causing visual intrusion or a change in the character of the view.
•
Potential effects are dependent on the nature of the petroleum exploration activities and the capacity of the landscape / seascape / visual resource to accommodate these components.
•
Decommissioning activities could result in adverse effects on visual receptors on the shores of the loughs and in the wider study area, through the introduction of uncharacteristic elements into the view causing visual intrusion or a change in the character of the view.
Cultural Heritage including Archaeology
•
Impacts of the setting of cultural heritage sites.
•
Direct impacts on historic features.
•
Loss/damage to marine and coastal historic environment features and sites (known and unknown)
Water
• • •
Impacts associated with drilling fluids/muds and cuttings on water quality. Impacts of accidental spillages of hydro-carbons and pollutants. Sedimented water runoff as a result of construction which can have a major impact on water courses, which can in turn impact on aquatic ecological features (e.g. the smothering of protected species [salmon] and the nitrification of protected habitats.)
•
Disruption of groundwater recharge, particularly from underground works.
•
Accidental contamination from installations and operational devices.
•
Disruption of groundwater recharge, particularly from underground works.
•
Disturbance of contaminated sediment leading to water quality impacts.
•
Impacts of installation (from drilling) on geologically and geomorphologically sensitive features.
Soil
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SEA Directive Topics
Population and Human Health
Material Assets
Air
Climate
Overview of Potential Effects
•
Disturbance of contaminated sediment (existent in the lough)
•
Loss or sterilisation of geological resource (extraction).
•
Disturbance to other sea users sea users including port activities and shipping.
•
Disturbance to commercial fisheries / aquaculture.
•
Noise and vibration affecting residential and other sensitive receptors.
•
Disturbance to recreational activities.
•
Disturbance to other infrastructure, utilities, including pipelines and telecom cables.
•
Effects on other proposed infrastructure e.g. gas storage proposals. Cumulative effects of Plan and other proposed development.
•
Effects on land uses from onshore activities.
•
Vehicle /ship emissions associated with survey and exploration equipment movements.
•
Emissions associated with boreholing.
•
Temporary Construction impacts (dust).
• •
Emissions associated with wells, including flaring. Carbon emissions associated with boreholing and moving seismic equipment.
•
Green house gas emissions from operational activities.
•
Emissions from decommissioning.
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7
Data Gaps
7.1
Introduction This chapter provides information on the main data gaps that have been identified from the initial review of the baseline data sources listed in chapter 5. It also identifies which of the main data gaps it is proposed to fill as part of the SEA and makes recommendations for doing so.
7.2
Data Gaps The following sections look at existing sources of information, available datasets and associated gaps in those datasets. This will be considered in terms of information on potential areas for exploration (where identifiable) and data relating to the baseline characteristics for each of the SEA topics that will be covered by the main environmental assessment (SEA Stage B).
7.2.1
Previous Relevant Studies The review of available data sources in the plan area identified that there is a large volume of existing high-level data which has been collected for a number of previous studies. These include all NIEA’s publications, as well as environmental protection works undertaken by DARD, DRD, the local Councils, and various Non-Governmental Agencies. DOE’s Northern Ireland Marine Plan will also be important to the outcome of this Plan as it will dictate all marine planning in Northern Ireland until 2035.
7.3
Data Gaps: Baseline Data for SEA Topics Table 7.1 provided an overview of the main source of baseline indentified in Chapter 6 and identifies potential gaps in that data. The potential gaps are highlighted in bold. Table 7.1: Summary of Baseline Data Sources and Potential Gaps SEA Directive Topics
Data Availability and Gaps
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
There is substantial information available on sites designated under European and National legislation e.g. Natura 2000 sites (SACs/SPAs & ASSIs) including their boundaries and designation features. The information on cetaceans and other marine animals in the study area provides a species list of the historic sighting in and around the study area; however it does not give any context to behaviour encountered or the seasonality of use. There is currently no additional information on the location of Marine Conservation Zones (MSCs) in Northern Ireland. This information will become available when the Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15) is enacted into legislation and NIEA produce information on sites to be designated. There is also substantial information on local sites of ecological interest, including designated sites in local area plans but this information may be in various data sets and held by various bodies. These data may need to be collected and interpreted for
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SEA Directive Topics
Data Availability and Gaps applicability to a strategic level assessment. Data on the distribution and abundance of EU and locally protected species are available from a range of sources as listed in Table 5.1. This will need to be collected and interpreted. Data on birds using parts of outer Belfast Lough, distant from land-based observers, as wintering sites are limited, but there is some evidence that a regionally important population of red-throated divers uses this area. The variability in use of different parts of the loughs within and between years as foraging/loafing areas by European site designation bird species is poorly known. Data on general benthic and intertidal ecology status are limited. There is limited information about benthic environments from the HAPs, however most of this information has been produced in the last five to ten years and there is no reported update in habitat quality publically reported. The WFD requires information collected regarding the composition of benthic invertebrates and the presence of other commercially exploitable benthic species indicates there are measures to indicate improvements or deteriation in benthic community health, but there does not appear to be a unified output. The intertidal area in both loughs is designated and its habitat features are monitored for deterioration because of its impact on the site conservation objectives, however there is very little information about how the interactions between the designated landscape and its associated features interact. Potential data sources for this information have been identified as NIEA, AFBI, CEDaR, QUB, BTO and RSPB. Data on fish communities in loughs located with NIEA from power station impingement monitoring, however it does not appear to be publically available. Consultation with NIEA will be required to establish how the data is collated and used to monitor fish stocks within the Loughs. Information on the type of fish stocks held by in each lough, should be available from NIEA, DARD and AFBI. Dependency of power station inlet screen data, is limited in its use because of the types of fish which are captured. Data on fish in inflowing rivers are available from DCAL and AFBI but may be lacking from some smaller watercourses. There is no publically available geographical data set which gives the location of aquaculture beds within either loughs.
Landscape
There is a range of data sources from NIEA relating to landscape character and landscape designations, which will be collected. Existing information about geomorphological units may be helpful in assessing landscape character of the study areas. Seascape character datasets are not available but comment will be made based on available information.
Cultural Heritage
An extensive database of known archaeology is available from NIEA. Details of
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SEA Directive Topics
Data Availability and Gaps
including Archaeological Heritage
scheduled monuments can be extracted from this, and then supplemented with the
Water
Comprehensive data should be available as part of the Water Framework Directive
locations of Historic Parks and Gardens and National Trust Properties (Houses and Gardens). This is also information from University of Ulster (UU) about maritime and intertidal cultural heritage.
implementation and NIEA monitoring programmes. Additional data will be collected to provide a description of bathymetric conditions. . Soil and Geology
There is no information on the sediment contamination within Larne Lough, there is also only generic information about how sediment flow regimes are impacted by dredging. There is no publically available geographical information set which give the geographical mapping for either lough.
Population and Human Health
Preliminary strategic noise mapping, undertaken as part of the implementation of EU directive 2002/49/EC, will be reviewed. Additional data will be collected which will include information about human usage of the loughs including information on shipping lanes, dredging regimes and harbours. The recreational usage of the loughs is not regulated and to get information about how the loughs are used, data on this type of non regulated usage can be gained from the sporting governing bodies associated with kayaking, yachting and scuba diving. Sea angling does have a governing body, however the sport does have unaffiliated participants and consultation with the IFSA will not capture their opinions.
Material Assets
Additional data will be collected to provide details of sub-sea infrastructure including pipelines and telecommunications links. Information on other proposed developments will be obtained from planning applications and other publically available sources.
Air
AQMA data is available from the local council. This data can be collected to give an overview of air quality around the plan areas.
Climate
There are predictive models in place to plot greenhouse gas emissions, however these may be at too high a level to give an accurate impact of what is likely to happen at in the Larne Lough plan area.
Based on the information presented in Table 7.1 above, the main identified gaps in baseline data include: Marine Mammals : The usage of the Loughs by marine mammals does not detail how they contribute to their lifecycle. Benthic Ecosystems : There are very few data available on benthic ecosystems as a whole, only information about invertebrate species which are used as indicators for water quality as part of the WFD. Intertidal Ecosystems : There are very few data available for intertidal ecosystems as a whole, other than that captured to indicate the quality of the intertidal habitats which are designated within the study area. Marine Dumping : Dumping of dredged sediments and other materials as land reclamation is well known in each plan area, however there is no information about the final extent of the dumping and how it is currently monitored.
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Sea Angling : There is currently no information about the extent of sea angling in either lough other than the anecdotal evidence that it occurs. AFBI survey of sea angling in Northern Ireland waters and correspondence with the IFSA and AFBI may address this. Protected species: The use made of the loughs by protected breeding bird species is incompletely known, and the use made of the outer parts of Belfast Lough by wintering bird species is poorly known. Based on experiences from previous SEAs, it has been determined that, although some gaps in baseline data do exist, for the purpose of strategic assessment it will not be necessary to undertake any additional survey or monitoring work. However this scoping report does identify a need for further specialist desk based studies to be undertaken for SEA topic areas which are not currently well understood.
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8
Scoping Questions
8.1
Introduction This chapter contains a list of key questions which relate to this Scoping Report. They are provided to assist the structure of scoping responses from NIEA (the consultee body), the Project Steering Group and other stakeholders. These questions will also form the main areas for discussion at the scoping workshop. Please note that comments are also welcome on any other aspects of the Scoping Report.
8.2 SEA Scoping Questions 8.2.1 Chapter 1: Introduction Q1a: Do you agree with the main objectives and deliverables of the SEA? Q1b: If not, please suggest alternative or additional objectives and deliverables.
8.2.2 Chapter 2: Overview of “the Plan”
Q2a: Are you content with the summary of the Plan presented in Chapter 2? Q2b: Do you agree with the summary of petroleum exploration and production in Northern Ireland presented in this chapter? If not, please provide details.
8.2.3 Chapter 3: Policy Context Q3a: Do you consider that all appropriate or relevant policies, plans and programmes have been noted? Q3b: If not, please highlight any omissions.
8.2.4 Chapter 4: Approach and Method Q4a: Do you agree with the overall approach and method for the SEA set out in Chapter 4? Q4b: Do you agree with the assessment method (Part 1 Generic Assessment, Part 2: Cumulative Assessment) that will be applied to the assessment of environmental effects (SEA Stage B)? Q4c: If not then please provide details of alternative approaches/methods.
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8.2.5 Chapter 5: Baseline
Q5a: Do you agree with the baseline data sources? Q5b: Please provide relevant data or details of sources of any additional datasets that provide information on the baseline environment of relevance to this study / SEA. Q5c: Do you agree the range of baseline data sources proposed are robust enough to allow for a thorough assessment of cumulative effects arising from the Plan? Q5d: Please suggest any updates/amendments to the baseline description as necessary.
8.2.6 Chapter 6: Environmental Problems and Potential Environmental Effects Q6a: Do you agree with the environmental effects and environmental problems identified in Chapter 6? Q6b: If you do not agree, please problems or effects which you feel are missing.
8.2.7 Chapter 7: Data Gaps Q7a: Do you agree with the data gaps identified in Chapter 7? Q7b: If you do not agree, please suggest any alternative/additional data gaps that need to be addressed as part of the SEA.
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SECTION II: FIGURES
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SECTION III: APPENDICES
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Appendix A: Legislation and Policy Context
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Table A.1: Key Relevant Policy Obligations and Regulatory Instruments Topic
Level
EU
Title
Directive 94/22/EC of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons
Northern
National governments can determine the geographical areas for prospecting, exploring for and producing hydrocarbons. However, they have to follow a specific procedure when granting licences: an invitation for applications has to be published in the Official Journal of the EU at least 90 days before the closing date for applications. This notice should specify information such as the geographical area, the type of authorisation and selection criteria for applicants. All interested companies can submit applications.
Implications
Details the parameters under which licensing can take place.
Petroleum Act 1998
Sets out the regime under which petroleum will be extracted within UK and Northern Ireland territorial waters.
Is the legislation which gives the Secretary of State power to grant licences to explore for and exploit petroleum resources adjacent to the internal waters subject to this plan.
Energy Act 2011
Enhances market incentive mechanisms for ensuring sufficient gas is available during a gas supply emergency and maximises the UKs ability to exploit the UK continental shelf.
Security of supply is prioritised in UK legislation.
Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982
Gave the Government power to dispose of British Gas assets and force the opening up of the corporation’s pipelines to third-party suppliers. This allowed a more open and competitive industry by introducing competition within the industry.
Allows exploration within UK controlled waters.
The Petroleum Production (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Require applications to the DETI for licences to search, bore for and get petroleum in Northern Ireland and new provisions relating to licences.
Detail licensing requirements for Northern Ireland
The Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
This Regulation looks into conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons
Details conditions to be met within petroleum licensing.
Hydrocarbons UK
Summary of Objectives
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Alleviate the impacts of climate change and reduce global emissions of Green House Gases.
Consider implications of the Plan in terms of impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Second European Climate Change Programme (ECCP ll) 2005.
Develop the necessary elements of a strategy to implement the Kyoto protocol.
Consider implications of the Plan in terms of impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Climate Change Act 2008
Address and adapting to climate change
Consider requirements for addressing climate change as part of the SEA.
Energy Act 2008
Sets out UK Government’s long term goal to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 with significant progress being made by 2020
Consider requirements for reducing carbon emissions as part of the assessment of the Plan
UN Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm 1972
Sustainable development principles ‘ the Rio Principles’
Encourages development in a sustainable manner.
The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, Earth Summit) Rio de Janerio, Brazil 1992
Promotes social and economic development in a way that will not be detrimental to environmental protection
Encourages sustainable development
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), Johannesburg, September 2002 – Commitments arising from Johannesburg Summit
Adoption of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation setting out steps in a quantifiable time with targets and goals
Implements sustainable development
The UN Millennium Declaration (2000) and Millennium Development Goals
Goal seven is for Environmental Sustainability
Integrates environmental sustainability into development polices and programmes.
UN Kyoto Protocol The United Nations Framework
International
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol 1997 Integrated Energy and Climate change package 2007
Climate EU
UK
Environment (General)
International
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications EIA is a complimentary process to SEA.
Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended by 97/11/EC and 2003/35/EC. (EIA Directive)
Sets requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
EU
Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC
Establishes a common framework for liability with a view to preventing and remedying damage to the environment.
The SEA will consider the forthcoming EIAs for any projects arising from the various proposals in the Plan and will give strategic guidance on EIA, but also seek to not replicate any EIA work.
Reinforces the need for environmental assessment at all level, given the liability for impacts.
Implements the “polluter pays” principle.
UK/Northern Ireland
The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. SR No. 57 of 2012
Sets out the requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment.
Sets out the need for an impact assessment for the development of petroleum exploration and production plant.
The Amenity Lands (NI) Act 1965
First legislation for designating areas because of the importance of their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical or other features; very largely repealed by later Orders.
Ensures for the consideration and protection of designated sites within Northern Ireland
The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order 1985 (NCALCO)
Allows the designation of National Parks, Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and nature Reserves
The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985
Provides for the protection of certain fauna and flora, for the creation of conserved sites for various species, especially birds.
Ensures for the protection of the environment in Northern Ireland
The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
Amends the ASSI section of the NCALCO 1985
Ensures for the protection of the environment in Northern Ireland
The Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1995
Implements the provisions of the Habitats Directive in Northern Ireland.
Ensures the protection and consideration of habitats and species protected under the habitats directive.
Ensures for the consideration and protection of designated sites within Northern Ireland
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Topic
Level
Title Environmental Liability (Prevention & Remediation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999
Implications
Implements the provisions of 2004/35/EC( the Environmental Liability Directive )
Reinforces the need for environmental assessment at all level, given the liability for impacts.
Provides agricultural management measure within designated natural beauty areas, to conserve flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features of those areas; and to protect buildings and other objects or archaeological, architectural or historic interest in those areas.
Ensures for the protection and consideration of the natural environment within the designated areas.
Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
Establishes a legal framework for the treatment of waste within the Community. It aims at protecting the environment and human health through the prevention of the harmful effects of waste generation and waste management
Ensures protection of the environment and human health through the prevention of the harmful effects of waste generation and waste management
Directive 2006/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
Framework for coordinating waste management in the Member States in order to limit the generation of waste and to optimise the organisation of waste treatment and disposal
Requires prohibition of the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste, and promotes waste prevention, recycling and processing for re-use
Directive 2008/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
Requires industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential to have a permit.
Requires pollution prevention measures
Measures relating to the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution caused by waste and the regulation and control of the transit, import and export of waste (including recyclable materials).
Requires waste recycling and recovery
Strengthens existing waste legislation in an attempt to deter illegal waste activity in Northern Ireland
Identifies activities that are exempt or do not require a licence
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Designation Order (Northern Ireland) 2005. SR No. 276 of 2005
EU
Waste
Summary of Objectives
The Waste Management Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 UK/Northern Ireland
The Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
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Topic
Level
International
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
The Environmental Protection Act 1990
Defines the fundamental structure and authority for waste management and control of emissions into the environment.
Prevention of pollution from emissions to air, land or water from scheduled processes.
World health organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (1999) and Guidelines for Europe (1987)
Seek the elimination or minimisation of certain airborne pollutants from protection of human health.
Reduction in the amount of airborne pollutants that are produced.
Montreal Protocol (UN September 1987)
Sets out the protection of the ozone layer and the phasing out of ozone depleting substances.
Considers the contribution of the Plan to ozone depleting substances.
Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution 1979
Controls and reduces environmental damage caused by transboundary air pollution.
Consider implications of the Plan on transboundary air pollution.
Prevention and reduction of airborne pollutants for the protection of human health and the environment.
Controls the levels of airborne pollutants.
Directive on national Emission Ceilings for Certain Atmospheric Pollutants (2001/81/EC)
Limitation of national emissions of certain airborne pollutants for the protection of human health and the environment.
Controls the levels of airborne pollutants.
Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe New air quality and includes objectives for PM2.5 (fine particles) including the limit value and exposure related objectives – exposure concentration obligation and exposure reduction target
Controls and limits the levels of airborne pollutants
UK Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Strategic Framework for Air Quality Objectives for key air pollutants.
Controls and monitors the levels of airborne pollutants
Air Quality Limit Value Regulations (NI) 2003 (SR No. 2121 of 2003) and amendments.
Sets out air quality limit or guide values for specified pollutants to be achieved by local authorities.
Controls and limits the levels of airborne pollutants
The Air Framework Directive Directive on Air Quality Assessment and Management (Framework Directive) (1996/62/EC)
Air EU
UK/Northern Ireland
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Environment Act 1995 Part IV Local Air Quality Management
Requires Local Authorities to review and assess Local Air Quality.
Controls and limits the levels of airborne pollutants
Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR2003/342 and Air Quality (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 SR2003/543
Requires the local authority to designate an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
The SEA will consider AQMAs.
Air Quality (Ozone) Regulations (Northern Ireland) (2003)
Local Authorities are required to carry out a Review and Assessment of their local air quality to see whether they will meet the Government’s targets for key pollutants
The SEA will consider the implications on local air quality
UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)
Maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity
Prevents the decline and encourages the enhancement of biodiversity.
Protection and conservation of wetlands, particularly those of importance to waterfowl as waterfowl Habitat.
Ensures that Ramsar sites are protected and given appropriate consideration.
Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979)
Conservation of wild flora and fauna
Consideration of the Plan on protected habitats and species
Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and Wild Animals (1979)
Conservation of species and wildlife on a global scale
Consideration of the Plan on migratory species
Reduce biodiversity loss and maintain and enhance current levels of biodiversity.
Prevents the decline and encourages the enhancement of biodiversity.
Sets out the protection of birds and the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in accordance with Article 4 of the Directive
Requires that SPAs are not adversely affected by the Plan.
The Ramsar Convention
International
Biodiversity
The Convention of Wetland of International Importance (1971 and amendments)
The EU Biodiversity Strategy
EU
Communication on a European Community Biodiversity Strategy.
Directive 79/409/EEC Conservation of Wild Birds
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Directive 92/43/EEC Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora(Habitats Directive)
Sets out the framework for the establishment of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for sites hosting habitats listed in Annex I and habitats of species listed under Annex II of the directive.
Requires that SACs are not adversely affected by the Plan.
European Convention on Protection of the Archaeological heritage (Revised), Valletta, 1992
The convention includes provisions for the identification and protection of archaeological heritage, conservation and control of excavations
Requires that the archaeological environment is given appropriate consideration.
The Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and amendments.
Makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests.
Impact on wild birds will be considered as part of the SEA.
The Wildlife Act 1976. The Wildlife (Amendment) act 2000.
To protect wildlife (both Flora and Fauna) and the control of activities which may impact adversely on the conservation of Wildlife
The SEA will assess impacts on biodiversity
Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations (S.I. 2007/184)
To ensure that activities in marine areas where the United Kingdom has jurisdiction are carried out in a manner that is consistent with Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the “Habitats Directive”) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC (the “Wild Birds Directive”).
The SEA will consider marine implications of the Plan and an Appropriate Assessment in line with Council Directive 92/43/EEC and Council Directive 79/409/EEC will be undertaken (to at least a screening stage).
Flora Protection Order 1999
To protect listed flora and their habitats from alteration, damage or interference in any way.
The SEA will assess impacts and flora.
International
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
Encourage the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, natural heritage.
Consider the impacts that the Plan will have on world heritage sites.
UK/Northern Ireland
Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995
Provides for the protection of all archaeological sites and objects.
Ensures that archaeological sites and objects are protected and given appropriate consideration.
Northern Ireland
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Implications
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Topic
Level
Title
Aarhus Convention International
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Right for everyone to see public information that is held by public authorities
Consultation on the SEA
Right for everybody to participate in environmental decision making The Stockholm Convention (2001)
Global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Reduction in the amount of airborne pollutants that are produced.
EU
Directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive
Avoid, prevent or reduce on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise
The SEA will assesses impact of noise on individuals
UK/Northern Ireland
Environmental Noise Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006,
Requires Authorities to deliver their obligations under the Environmental Noise Directive
Noise complaints and the enforcement of noise control legislation is a matter for environmental health departments of district councils
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (July 2008)
Enable sustainable use of marine goods and services and to ensure the marine environment is safeguarded for the use of future generations. Establishes a comprehensive structure within which member States are required to develop and implement cost effective measures, necessary to achieve or maintain ‘good environmental status’ in the marine environment. Good Environmental Status must be achieved by 2020 at the latest.
Consideration of the Plan on preventing good environmental status being achieved.
Population and Human Health
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Incorporating measures under: The Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC);
The Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)(1);
The Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) as amended by Directive (98/83/EC);
The Major Accidents (Seveso) Directive (96/82/EC)(2);
The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC)(3); Protection and enhancement of the aquatic environment
EU The Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC)(4);
The Urban Waste-water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC);
The Plant Protection Products Directive (91/414/EEC);
The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC);
The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)(5);
The Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive (96/61/EC).
Any activities which are subject to a licensing by the appropriate authority within one nautical mile of the coast will be compliant with the requirements of the Directive
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Marine Strategy Regulations 2010
Enacts the Marine Strategy Framework Directive into UK regulations and enabled the beginning of the quantification process for GES which must be achieved by 2020.
Consideration of the Plan on preventing GES from being achieved.
Marine Bill (Bill 5/11-15)
Enacts the Marine Strategy Framework Directive into NI legislation and will set out a new framework for Northern Irelands seas based on sustainable planning, improved management of marine nature conservation and the streamlining of marine licensing for some electricity projects.
Consideration of the Plan on preventing good environmental status being achieved and if parts of the Plan area are precluded from being MCZ as a result of the Plan.
UK/Northern Ireland
To promote the conservation of the water resources
Water To promote the cleanliness of surface and ground water The Water (NI) Order 1999
Establishes powers to make regulations for the control of water abstraction.
Impacts on water quality will be assessed by the SEA
Requires consent for any discharges to the aquatic environment during construction and operational activities.
Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
Implements requirements under both the Water Framework and Habitats Directives, to establish a water resource management, assessment and licensing regime.
The full suite of implementing legislation for the Water Framework Directive will be considered
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Topic
Level
Title
EHS/NIEA’s ‘Policy For Setting And Delivering Water Quality Targets’
Control Of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (NI) 2010 which are due to come into force on 31 October 2010.
Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA)
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Summarises the development of water quality targets for Northern Ireland’s waters and outlines the role of the inter-agency Water Quality Management Committee in helping to achieve those targets. It sets out the current position on setting water quality targets, on measuring achievement of targets and on the development of partnerships to coordinate environmental protection and improvement.
The SEA will consider water quality impacts
To contribute to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive by complimenting and enhancing existing water pollution controls. Will set minimum design standards for new and existing above ground oil storage facilities, providing a legal requirement for the standards to be met. Seeks to control the deposit of articles or materials in the sea / tidal waters; the primary objectives being to protect the marine ecosystem and human health, and minimising interference and nuisance to others. Requires a licence be obtained to deposit any articles or substances in the sea or under the seabed.
The full suite of implementing legislation for the Water Framework Directive will be considered.
Marine impacts will be considered in the EA.
This licensing scheme is due to be superseded by the Marine and Coastal Access Act in 2011
The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
The implementation of the Water Framework Directive in Northern Ireland.
Impacts on the water environment will be considered by the SEA. If impacts could affect legal obligations under the Water Framework Directive, this will be highlighted.
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Topic
Level
Title
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Table A.2: Relevant Plans and Programmes Relevant Plans and Programmes
Summary of Objectives
Implications
The report details the five priorities for the new energy strategy in Europe. These include: Achieving and energy-efficient Europe, Building a truly pan-European integrated energy market, Empowering consumers and achieving the highest level of safety and security, Extending Europe’s leadership in energy technology and innovation, Strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy market. In relation to petroleum exploration, the strategy seeks to improve overall efficiency but also develop energy infrastructure to encourage the petroleum sector. -
Energy 2020 – A strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure supply
Identifies the European requirements for security of supply.
DETI, 2010 Strategic Energy Framework
Notes the importance of a diverse energy market including oil and gas supplies and includes policies relating to strategic responses to oil and gas emergencies.
The Plan will help facilitate the diversification of the energy market with indigenous petroleum sources.
DETI, Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2012-2020
The plan aims to facilitate delivery of offshore renewable energy development within the territorial water of Northern Ireland.
The Plan should not limit renewable energy exploitation within the Plan area.
DECC, UK Oil and Gas Industrial Strategy: Business and Government Action Plan (2013)
The strategy aims to maximise the economic production of the UKs offshore production and promote collaboration between industry and government.
The Plan will help facilitate exploration within Northern Ireland internal waters.
DECC, 26th and 27th Rounds of UK Offshore Petroleum Licensing (2013)
The petroleum licensing round for UK territorial waters which are outside Northern Ireland jurisdiction.
The Plan cannot provide a weaker regulatory regime than that existing.
Marine Strategy Part One: UK Initial Assessment and Good Environmental Status (2012)
Is the first step in the full implementation of the MSFD where UK characteristics of GES are set out, along with associated targets and indicators.
The Plan cannot limit the characteristics of GES in UK waters.
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1996)
To enhance biodiversity conservation in response to the Rio convention.
The SEA will assess impacts on biodiversity
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Relevant Plans and Programmes
Summary of Objectives
Implications
Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 (including NI Species and Habitat Action Plans and Departmental Biodiversity Implementation Plans)
To enhance biodiversity at the Northern Irish level
The SEA will assess impacts on biodiversity
River Basin Management Plans and associated documents (including ‘Mechanisms For Action’ and ‘Register Of Plans And Programmes’) : North Eastern River Basin Management Plan
Implements the Water Framework Directive for Northern Ireland. Geographic boundaries for plan are determined by river basin catchments.
The SEA will need to be consistent with the River Basin Managements Plans, including objectives and targets.
Sets out a strategic and long-term perspective on the future development of Northern Ireland up to the year 2035. Shaping Our Future - Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2035, DRD, March 2012
It addresses a range of economic, social, environmental and community issues which are relevant to delivering the objectives of achieving sustainable development and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
SEA is intended to contribute to environmental protection and security of energy supply.
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA. Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Antrim Area Plan 1984-2001 (DOE1989)
Contains policy provision for Antrim
Antrim, Ballymena & Larne Area Plan 2016 Issues Paper (DOE 2002)
Contains policy provision for Antrim Borough, Ballymena Borough and Larne Borough Council Areas
Ards & Down Area Plan 2015 (DOE 2009)
Contains policy provision for Ards Borough and Down District Council Areas
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Belfast Harbour Local Plan 1990-2005 (DOE 1991 )
Contains policy provision for Belfast Lough and its foreshores encompassing land east of the Belfast to Larne railway line and west of the Sydenham By-Pass and the Belfast to Bangor road within the Belfast City Council area
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (DOE 2004)
Contains policy provision for Belfast City, Carrickfergus Borough, Castlereagh Borough, Lisburn City, Newtownabbey Borough and North Down Borough Council Areas
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001 (DOE 1989)
Contains policy provision for Antrim Borough Council, Ards Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Castlereagh Borough Council, Down District Council, Lisburn Borough Council, Newtownabbey Borough Council andNorth Down Borough Council
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Carrickfergus Area Plan 2001 (DOE 2000)
Contains policy provision for Carrickfergus Borough Council
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA.
Larne Area Plan 2010 ( 1998)
Contains policy provision for Larne Borough Council
Larne Biodiversity Action Plan (2007)
Details the biodiversity aims and facilities within the Larne Borough Council area.
Local area planning designations and policy will be considered in SEA. Local biodiversity impacts will be considered in the SEA.
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Relevant Plans and Programmes Newtownabbey Borough Council Local Biodiversity Action Plan (2007)
A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland (DOE, 1993);
Summary of Objectives Details of the biodiversity aims and facilities within the Newtownabbey Borough Council area. Sets out on a topic by topic basis the factors that the Department takes into account when considering development proposals. It covers all the towns, villages and countryside of Northern Ireland outside the Belfast urban area, and the adjacent towns of Carrickfergus and Bangor It establishes the objectives and the policies for land use and development appropriate to the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland and which need to be considered on a scale wider than the individual District Council Area.
PPS 1 - General Principles (DOE, March 1998)
Sets out the general principles that the Department observes in formulating planning policies, making development plans and exercising control of development
PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation (DOE, June 1997)
Sets out the Department's land-use planning policies for the conservation of natural heritage
PPS 3 – Access, Movement and Parking (DOE, February 2005) and PPS 3 (Clarification): Access, Movement and Parking (DOE, 2006)
Sets out the Department's planning policies for vehicular and pedestrian access, transport assessment, the protection of transport routes and parking. It forms an important element in the integration of transport and land use planning
Implications Local biodiversity impacts will be considered in the SEA
The SEA is intended to contribute to environmental protection. Impacts on environmental designations set out in the strategy will be assessed by the SEA.
Sets out the key themes of sustainable development, mixed use, quality development and design that underlie the DoE’s approach to planning.
Ensures for the protection of the environment in Northern Ireland. Requires provision of a modern, safe, sustainable transport system and the promotion of healthier living and improved road safety.
PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and Built Heritage (DOE, March 1999) and PPS 6 (Addendum): Areas of Townscape Character (DOE, 2005)
Sets out the Department's planning policies for the protection and conservation of archaeological remains and features of the built heritage.
Ensures that archaeological sites are protected and given appropriate consideration
PPS 8 -Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation (DOE, 2004)
Sets out the Department's planning policies for the protection of open space , in association with residential development and the use of land for sport and outdoor recreation.
Ensures sustainable development and promotes a more active and healthy lifestyle as well as ensuring conservation of biodiversity
PPS 11- Planning and Waste Management (DOE, 2002)
Sets out the Department's planning policies for the development of waste management facilities.
Promotes the highest environmental standards in development proposals for waste management facilities.
PPS 13 – Transportation and Land Use (DRD, February 2005);
This PPS has been prepared to assist in the implementation of the Regional Development Strategy to guide the integration of transportation and land use.
Requires integration of land use and transportation
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Relevant Plans and Programmes
PPS 15- Planning Policy and Flood Risk (DOE, June 2006
Summary of Objectives Sets out the Department’s planning policies to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment.
Implications Requires prevention of future development that may be at risk from flooding or that may increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
PPS 21- Sustainable Development in the Countryside (DOE, 2010);
Sets out Planning Policies for Development in the Countryside.
Requires conservation of the landscape and natural resources of the rural area and to protect it from excessive, inappropriate or obtrusive development and from the actual or potential effects of pollution;
DCAN 10 – Environmental Impact Assessment (DOE, 2012)
Provides guidance to developers regarding environmental assessment requirements and environmental impact assessment submission.
Requires environmental impact assessments to contain certain information.
DCAN 15 – Vehicular Access Standards (DOE, 1999)
Provides general guidance to intending developers, their professional advisors and agents on the standards for vehicular access
Consideration to new private accesses and new development access roads joining the public road
DGN 12 – Conservation Areas (Belfast Planning Office, 1993)
Highlights the environmental qualities of each conservation area including any important landscape features
Requires protection and consideration to be given to conservation areas
DGN 14 – Tree Preservation Orders (Belfast Planning Office, 1994)
Provides guidance on Tree Preservation Orders throughout Northern Ireland
Consideration of the Plan on Tree Preservation Orders
Recommendations to Government for a Biodiversity Strategy (Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, 2000).
Sets out recommendations on how best to sustain biodiversity
The SEA will assess impacts on biodiversity
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Appendix B: References
DOE (1993). A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland. DOE (2002) Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy. DOE (2006) Towards Resource Management: The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy 2006 – 2020. DOE EHS (2001) Waste Arising Survey For Northern Ireland DOE EHS (2008) State of the Environment Report Department of the Environment DRD (2012). Shaping Our Future - Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2035. E&P Forum/UNEP (1997) Environmental Management in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production: An Overview of Issues, Management, Approaches. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy (1993) Drilling Sideways – A Review of Horizontal Well Technology and Its Domestic Application. HDD Consortium (2003) Horizontal Directional Drilling Handbook. HDD Consortium (2001) Horizontal Directional Drilling, Good Practices Guidelines. HMSO (1994) Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. ODPM (2005) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. UK Climate Projections (UKCP09).
Websites used to gain Background Information Information on National Trust Holdings in Northern Ireland [Online] Available from http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/wglobal/w-localtoyou/w-northernireland.htm [Accessed February 2013] Information on the location of Historic Parks and Gardens in Northern Ireland [Online] Available from http://www.nienvironment.gov.uk/other-index/digital-intro/download_page.htm [Accessed February 2013] Information on the locations of monuments on the Historic Monuments Database [Online] Available from http://www.nienvironment.gov.uk/other-index/digital-intro/download_page.htm [Accessed February 2013] Information on petroleum exploration techniques used in the UK [Online] Available from http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk [Accessed January 2013] Information on shallow water drilling techniques [Online] Available from
http://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/2010/10/21/offshore-oil-drilling-in-shallow-water-good-safety-record-lessrisky/ [Accessed January 2013] Atlas of Cetacean distribution in north-west European waters [Online] Available from
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/PDF/cetaceansAtlas_web.pdf Energy 2020 – A strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure supply http://ec.europa.eu/energy/publications/doc/2011_energy2020_en.pdf [Accessed February 2013] 2010 Strategy Energy Framework - http://www.detini.gov.uk/strategic_energy_framework__sef_2010_-3.pdf [Accessed February 2013]
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1827 – Categorisation of Waters - http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07home/shipsandcargoes/mcga-shipsregsandguidance/marinenotices/mcga-mnotice.htm?textobjid=AFB108F490AA4EB1 [Accessed April 2013] North Eastern River Basin Management Plan [Online] Information available from http://www.nienvironment.gov.uk/north_eastern_rbp [Available in February 2013] Information on demography and population dynamics in Northern Ireland [Online] Information available from http://www.nisra.gov.uk/demography/default.asp3.htm [Accessed February 2013] Hansard Report – Marine Bill: DOE Briefing [Online] Available from http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/OfficialReports/Environment/2012-2013/121108_MarineBillDOEBriefing.pdf HM Government (2012) Marine Strategy Part One: UK Initial Assessment and Good Environmental Status [Online] Available from http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13860-marine-strategy-part1-20121220.pdf OSPAR Commission Information Available at http://www.ospar.org/welcome.asp?menu=0 OSPAR Commission – Overview of the impacts of anthropogenic underwater sound in the marine environment [Online] Available from http://qsr2010.ospar.org/media/assessments/p00441_Noise_background_document.pdf Information on SCANS-II [Online] Available from http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/scans2/ Information on SPRES Oil Spill prevention in Belfast Lough [Online] Available from http://www.lnec.pt/organization/dha/nti/estudos_id/SPRES Information on the location of Scottish MPAs [Online] Available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/nmpihome/nmpi Information on the Northern Ireland Marine Bill [Online] Available from http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/protect_the_environment/natural_environment/marine_and_coast/marine_policy/northern_ireland_ marine_bill.htm The State of the Seas Report [Online] Available at http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/water-home/state_of_the_seas_ni_report.htms: UK Climate Projections (UKCP09). Available at http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/
Oil and Gas Licensing in the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland (Belfast and Larne Loughs)
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Capabilities on project: Environment
Appendix C: Glossary
TERM
MEANING
ASSI
Area of Special Scientific Interest
AWI
The Ancient Woodland Inventory
BTO
British Trust for Ornithology
CEDaR
The Centre for Environmental Data and Research
Co.
County
DARD
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DCAL
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Northern Ireland)
DETI
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland)
DOE
Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EHS
Environment and Heritage Service (Now called NIEA)
ESCR
Earth Science Conservation Review
EU
European Union
FFD
Freshwater Fish Directive
GB
Great Britain
GES
Good Environmental Status – As defined by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
GSNI
Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
Ha
Hectares
HAPs
km
Habitat Action Plans For the purposes of the Scoping Document, Internal Waters refers to Belfast and Larne Loughs only. Kilometre
m
Metre
MBR
MPA
Monuments and Building Record Marine Coastal Zone – The name of the areas which are proposed for protection under the Marine Bill. Marine Protection Area – The Scottish variation of MCZs which are currently designated.
MSFD
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
NI
Northern Ireland
NIEA
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Internal Waters
MCZ
NIPS
Northern Ireland Priority Species
NNRs
National Nature Reserves
OSPAR
Convention of the protection of the marine environment in the North East Atlantic
PPGs
Pollution Prevention Guidelines
PPSs
Planning Policy Statements
RA
Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland)
RDS
Regional Development Strategy 2035
RSPB
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Oil and Gas Licensing in the Internal Waters of Northern Ireland (Belfast and Larne Loughs)
AECOM Capabilities on project: Environment
TERM SACs
MEANING Special Areas of Conservation
SAPs
Species Action Plans
SEA
Strategic Environmental Assessment
SEF
Strategic Energy Framework
SLNCI
Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation
SOCC
Species of Conservation Concern
SPAs
Special Protected Areas
UK
United Kingdom
WFD
Water Framework Directive
WMU
Water Management Unit (NIEA)
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