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16
Inter-relationships and cumulative effects
16.1 Introduction
16.1.1
This ES Chapter assesses inter-relationships and cumulative effects, specifically:
•
The inter-relationships that occur between the individual environmental effects of the
proposed IBA and MRF facility.
•
The way that these effects of the IBA and MRF facility have the potential to combine
together to cause cumulative effects with one another at certain sensitive locations and lead
to significant effects.
•
The potential for effects of the IBA and MRF facility to combine with effects from other
proposed development projects in the vicinity and lead to significant effects.
16.2 Inter-relationships
16.2.1
Schedule 4, Part 1, Item 3 of the EIA Regulations requires an ES to include:
“A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the
development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors,
material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors.”
16.2.2
16.2.3
The preceding ES Chapters 7 to 15 each cover their respective environmental topics as follows:
7.
Ecology and nature conservation.
8.
Landscape and visual.
9.
Contamination – land and water quality.
10.
Hydrology, hydrogeology and flood risk.
11.
Traffic and transport.
12.
Air quality.
13.
Noise and vibration.
14.
Socio-economics and Tourism
15.
Construction waste.
The inter-relationships between these topics and the way in which they are dealt with in this ES
are detailed overleaf.
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Ecology and Air Quality
16.2.4
Dust from the operation of the IBA and the MRF is not considered to hold any potential risks to
the designated ecological sites. The potential impacts on protected species are discussed in ES
Chapter 7: Ecology and Nature Conservation and ES Chapter 12: Air Quality. However, the
assessments conclude that there will not be significant effects in this regard due to the dust
suppression systems that will be implemented on site.
16.2.5
Dust arising during construction has the potential to coat vegetation on the edges of the adjacent
woodland and the Dean Burn watercourse, although this would only be likely to occur over short
periods, during dry weather, and when works are undertaken adjacent to the site boundary.
Whilst ES Chapter 12: Air Quality deals with the amenity impacts of dust on the human
environment, ES Chapter 7: Ecology and Nature Conservation concludes that any such dust
effects would not be significant.
Ecology and Landscape
16.2.6
The existing landscape has both a landscape amenity value and an ecological value. The
landscape value of the quarry has been considered intrinsically as part of the proposed
landscaping scheme in Chapter 8: Landscape and Visual. The ecological value of the trees and
other habitats on site is considered within Chapter 7: Ecology. The proposed landscaping has
been developed by the Landscape Architect in close association with the Ecologist. Native
shrubs / trees have been proposed to provide habitat for native species. Additional surveys will
be undertaken to ensure that the development will not have any impact upon protected species
on site; particular consideration will be given to the ecology around the Dolerite outcrop which is
scheduled for removal.
Ecology and Noise
16.2.7
Temporary noise disturbance from the construction activities has the potential to impact upon
breeding birds in the area. Temporary noise disturbance from the construction also has the
potential is likely to impact upon roosting bats within the SSSI. However, ES Chapter 7: Ecology
and Nature Conservation concludes that any such effects would not be significant as the
programme of construction works has been designed to limit the impact upon these protected
species.
16.2.8
Permanent noise from the IBA and MRF facility is not expected to impact upon breeding birds,
bats or the internationally and nationally-designated sites further afield. The propagation of noise
from the facility has been modelled for the noise assessment. As noted above, ES Chapter 7:
Ecology and Nature Conservation concludes that any such effects would not be significant.
Ecology, Third Parties and Hydrology, hydrogeology and flood risk
16.2.9
It is known that a colony of greater horseshoe bats resides in the cave system in Potters Wood.
Any links between the groundwater aquifer at the quarry and the aquifer at the cave system
could impact upon this as a roost site. Dewatering activities at the quarry may potentially result in
the lowering of groundwater levels in the Devonian Limestone under Potters Wood SSSI. The
lowering of groundwater levels is not considered to adversely impact upon the environment of
the caves in Potters Wood used by bats. Water levels in the quarry following cessation of any
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dewatering are not expected to rise above 60 mAOD. At this level and below water levels should
not rise in the Potters Wood SSSI caves and will not cause an impact upon the caves as a bat
habitat.
16.2.10
Discharge rates from the lagoon and interceptor drain on site are restricted to greenfield runoff
rates, therefore flood risk to third parties is not increased from surface water generated within the
site area or to flood risk associated with the Dean Burn.
Ecology and Lighting
16.2.11 Lighting has the potential have an impact upon local populations of bats. However the lighting
design for this scheme which is contained within the planning application document has been
formulated to ensure that there is no light spill onto the known bat flight-lines within the Quarry in
excess of 3 Lux. ES Chapter 7: Ecology and Nature Conservation concludes that any such
effects would not be significant.
Contamination and Construction Waste
16.2.12 ES Chapter 9: Contamination and Chapter 10 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Flood Risk, assess
the impact of the proposed development with respect to ground and groundwater contamination.
In particular, it considers the potential effects of the disturbance of contamination and hazardous
materials on human health and the environment, and the impacts of potentially contaminated
ground or groundwater conditions on existing adjacent structures and the new development. ES
Chapter 15: Construction Waste, considers wastes arising during the excavation, demolition and
construction required to develop the IBA and MRF. It seeks to quantify the amount of waste
arising, as well as identify the different types of materials and how they will be managed. It
therefore follows that contaminated land could be encountered which is considered to comprise
waste requiring treatment and/or disposal. It is concluded in both ES Chapters that:
•
Previous ground investigations at the site have not encountered significant concentrations
of contaminated soils.
•
It is expected that the majority of excavated material should be suitable for re-use across
the site.
•
If contamination is encountered during site works it should be reported to the Local
Authority and may require remediation and/or collection by a specialised hazardous waste
operator and subsequent disposal at a licensed facility.
Traffic, Air Quality and Noise
16.2.13 ES Chapter 11: Traffic and Transport quantifies existing traffic movements, makes projections of
future traffic movements with the IBA and MRF in place, and assesses traffic and transport
impacts. Traffic data from ES Chapter 11 are then also used in ES Chapter 12: Air Quality and
ES Chapter 13: Noise and Vibration.
16.2.14 ES Chapter 12: Air Quality assesses the impact of road traffic emissions on air quality at
sensitive receptors. The predicted annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and
particulate matter (PM10) during the assessment years are compared against the respective Air
Quality Objective Values. The potential impact at sensitive receptors in close proximity to the site
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and other local roads in the area were also predicted. The assessment has identified that
significant dust deposition could potentially occur at sensitive receptors located within 100 m of
the site boundary. These receptors include residential properties on Plymouth Road, to the west
of the site. The assessment has also identified that a potential increase of the 24 hour PM10
objective could occur within 50 m of the site boundary and the deposition of dust at a rate that
could lead to vegetation effects at 25 m from the site boundary. Any impact on baseline dust
deposition rates as a result of site operations would be low under normal atmospheric conditions
and would produce an insignificant effect. The phased nature of the works will minimise the
length of time that any receptor will be affected by the site operations. Any impacts that do occur
are most likely to take the form of increased soiling of property surfaces and are not normally
associated with a general risk to human health. Any deposits of this kind can be washed off the
surface, making any impact reversible.
16.2.15 ES Chapter 13: Noise and Vibration assesses the impact of road traffic on noise levels. The
construction noise assessment has shown that the construction noise levels to surrounding
sensitive receptors will be below the proposed limit values and below existing ambient noise
levels. Overall, the significance of construction noise effects is assessed as negligible. Taking
into account the construction works to be carried out (and, in particular, the location of blasting
works) the significance of construction vibration effects is assessed as negligible/minor. With the
mitigation incorporated in the plant design, and with upgraded cladding to the IBA building, the
significance of operational noise effects is assessed as negligible. Operational road traffic noise
effects are also assessed as negligible.
Tourism, Visual Intrusion, Traffic, and Noise
16.2.16 Chapter 14 deals with the potential impacts on tourism as a result of the proposed development.
This chapter concludes that the Whitecleave Quarry site is, on the whole, well concealed from the
view of nearby tourism accommodation, assets and attractions; a situation that is not liable to
change through the proposed development. The visibility and landscape character of the site is
not due to change significantly from its current form during construction or operation. Similarly,
noise intrusions emanating from the development are not expected to exceed the existing
ambient noise levels. The site is also located close to the A38, which itself is a significant built
structure. Consequently there is likely to be no additional impact from the quarry in terms of a
noise intrusion or visual deterrent to those wishing to either stay in the area or utilise nearby
visitor facilities.
16.2.17 The impact on traffic is also expected to be negligible, with the increased volume of traffic on the
B3380 unlikely to present a further access hindrance to the key tourism traffic in its immediate
vicinity. However, the potential implications of increased HGV movements may need to be
monitored by the appropriate authority to determine any impacts or influences on leisure cycling
movements, especially if the proposed NCN Route 2 extension proceeds.
16.3 Cumulative Effects
Types of Cumulative Effects
16.3.1
The EIA Regulations require that, if relevant, cumulative effects of development be considered
within an ES. Schedule 4, Part 1, Item 4 of the EIA Regulations requires an ES to include:
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“A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment, which
should cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and longterm, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development, resulting from
(a) the existence of the development;
(b) the use of natural resources;
(c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste,
and the description by the applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the
environment.”
16.3.2
With the exception of ‘cumulative’ effects which are dealt with in this ES Chapter, all of the
descriptive terms in the paragraph above are covered implicitly as appropriate in ES Chapters 7
to 15.
16.3.3
Draft good practice guidance on EIA (Department for Communities and Local Government,
2006) states that:
“ ‘Cumulative’ is not defined in the EIA Directive or Regulations – the dictionary definition is
‘increasing by one addition after another’…In the context of EIA, cumulative effects could refer to
the combined effects of different development activities within the vicinity or those of different
aspects of a single development on a particular receptor.” (paragraphs 121 and 122)
16.3.4
The following assessment therefore differentiates, using professional judgement, between:
•
Individual effects of the IBA and MRF facility that have the potential to combine together to
cause cumulative effects with one another at certain sensitive locations and lead to
significant effects.
•
Effects of the IBA and MRF facility that have the potential to combine with effects from
other proposed development projects in the vicinity and lead to significant effects.
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IBA and MRF Effects Combining With One Another
16.3.5
One of the key elements of the south west regional waste strategy (South West Regional
Assembly, 2004) is to provide waste treatment facilities close to the larger urban centres. Within
the SWDWP area the city of Plymouth has the greatest population and population density. It is
therefore logical to locate a strategic EfW, which will feed the IBA facility, within or close to
Plymouth. Supplemental to this is that the location of the IBA facility should be within one of the
areas which is serviced by the EfW plant. Teignbridge District Council will be one of the four
councils serviced by the EfW facility at Devonport. It is considered appropriate that the IBA
material should be treated in one of these source council areas.
16.3.6
Such benefits need to be weighed against the consequential disadvantage that comes with this
location, namely its location adjacent to a town, close to the Dartmoor National Park and other
designated sites and therefore the potential for impacts on local amenity.
16.3.7
Table 16.1, below, outlines the IBA and MRF, amenity effects at selected representative
locations which are close to Whitecleave Quarry.
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Table 16.1: IBA and MRF Facility Amenity Effects at Selected Representative Locations or Groups of Dwellings
Assessment Topic
Ecology
Elm Bank
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Fullaford Park
19 Tweenaway
Children’s Play Area,
Fairy Lane
Dean Burn Bridge,
Plymouth Road
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Landscape and Visual
During Construction
The LVIA indicates during
construction there will be
Major/Moderate effects on
views due to the removal
of the quarry’s Dolerite
outcrop.
The LVIA indicates during
construction there will be
Major/Moderate effects on
views due to the removal of
the quarry’s Dolerite
outcrop.
The LVIA indicates during
construction there will be
Major/Moderate effects on
views due to the removal of
the quarry’s Dolerite
outcrop.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational,
given the existing land
uses and character.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Landscape and Visual
Year 1 of Operation
The LVIA indicates that
there will be a significant
adverse effect on these
properties during the first
year of operation due to
the increased exposure of
the quarry rock face.
The LVIA indicates that
there will be a significant
adverse effect on these
properties during the first
year of operation due to
the increased exposure of
the quarry rock face.
However during the
summer this impact will be
reduced to insignificant as
the quarry face is
screened by trees.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational,
given the existing land
uses and character.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
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Assessment Topic
Elm Bank
Fullaford Park
19 Tweenaway
Children’s Play Area,
Fairy Lane
Landscape and Visual
Year 15 of Operation
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational,
given the existing land
uses and character.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational,
given the existing land
uses and character.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
It is not considered that
there will be a significant
cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during
construction or once the
facility is operational,
given the existing land
uses and character.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Contamination – Land and
Water Quality
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Hydrology, Hydrogeology
and Flood Risk
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Traffic and Transport
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
An increase in traffic will be
felt both during construction
and operational phases of
the proposed scheme. This
is not considered significant
as per the assessment
protocol outlined in the TA.
Air Quality
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Noise and Vibration
The noise model shows that The noise model shows that The noise model shows that The noise model shows that The noise model shows that
noise levels at this location noise levels at this location noise levels at this location noise levels at this location noise levels at this location
were higher than permitted are within permitted levels. are within permitted levels. are within permitted levels. are within permitted levels.
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Dean Burn Bridge,
Plymouth Road
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Assessment Topic
Elm Bank
Fullaford Park
19 Tweenaway
Children’s Play Area,
Fairy Lane
Dean Burn Bridge,
Plymouth Road
before the enhanced
cladding was applied to the
IBA facility. Once this
cladding is applied the noise
level at this locale drops to
with permitted levels.
Construction Waste
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Socio-economics/Tourism
Both the IBA and the MRF
proposals will create new
jobs.
Both the IBA and the MRF
proposals will create new
jobs.
Both the IBA and the MRF
proposals will create new
jobs.
Both the IBA and the MRF
proposals will create new
jobs.
It is considered that in
combination there would
be an overall beneficial
socio-economic
cumulative effect.
It is considered that in
combination there would
be an overall beneficial
socio-economic
cumulative effect.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects on
tourism during construction
or once the facility is
operational.
It is considered that in
combination there would be
an overall beneficial socioeconomic cumulative effect.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects on
tourism during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects on
tourism during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
It is considered that in
combination there would be
an overall beneficial socio- Both the IBA and the MRF
economic cumulative effect. proposals will create new
jobs.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects on
It is considered that in
tourism during construction combination there would be
or once the facility is
an overall beneficial sociooperational.
economic cumulative effect
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
Cumulative Effects
Environmental Statement
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No foreseen significant
cumulative effects during
construction or once the
facility is operational.
June 2011
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No foreseen significant
cumulative effects on
tourism during construction
or once the facility is
operational.
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IBA and MRF Facility Effects in combination with Other Proposed
Developments
16.3.8
Other planned developments within a reasonable proximity of the proposed IBA and MRF have
been identified through discussion with DCC officers. There is only one such development
which is the subject of a planning application. It is necessary therefore to be mindful of the
likelihood and timings of this development. The other development considered is as follows:
•
Wood Brothers Travel Ltd – Application for Change of Use (11/00833/COU)
16.3.9
There is limited information contained within the application lodged with DCC on this particular
development, but it is understood that whilst the application is for a change of use on the site it is
primarily to regularise a long standing activity which has been taken into account in the
background evaluation for the proposed MRF and IBA reprocessing activities. Two new
portacabins are proposed one for use as an office and washroom facility, the other as a coach
maintenance facility. There is currently space to allow for parking of 18 coaches and 5 staff
parking spaces.
16.3.10
The potential cumulative effects from this planned development are outlined in Table 16.2 below.
Table 16.2: IBA and MRF Effects in Combination with Other Proposed Development
Assessment Topic
Wood Brothers Travel Ltd
Ecology
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational. However consideration must be given to the lighting
regime indicated in the Wood Bros application, in relation to impact on bat
flight-lines.
Landscape and Visual
It is not considered that there will be a significant cumulative landscape and
visual effect, during construction or once the facility is operational, given
the existing land uses and character of site.
Cultural Heritage
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
Contamination
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
Hydrology, Hydrogeology and
Flood Risk
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
Traffic and Transport
As the programme of works for the Wood Bros development is unknown
there is the potential for overlap of construction activities. Measures will be
put in place to minimise as far as possible construction traffic effects
resulting from the IBA and MRF.
No foreseen significant cumulative operational traffic effects.
Air Quality
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
Noise and Vibration
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
Construction Waste
No foreseen significant cumulative effects during construction or once the
facility is operational.
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Assessment Topic
Socio-economics/Tourism
Wood Brothers Travel Ltd
Both proposals will create new jobs within the area of Buckfastleigh.
It is considered that in combination there would be an overall beneficial
socio-economic cumulative effect.
Cumulative Effects
Construction periods may overlap, but measures will be put in place to
minimise as far as possible construction traffic effects resulting from the IBA
and MRF.
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16.4 Conclusion
Inter-relationships
16.4.1
The inter-relationships between the individual environmental effects of the proposed IBA and
MRF have been assessed appropriately throughout this ES and are drawn together in this
Chapter.
Cumulative Effects of IBA and MRF
16.4.2
The way that these effects of the proposed IBA and MRF have the potential to combine together
to cause cumulative effects with one another at certain sensitive locations and lead to significant
effects has also been assessed.
16.4.3
For the residents of properties on Elm Bank, Fullaford Park and 19 Tweenaway, there would
throughout the construction period be a significant visual effect due to direct views of the Quarry
face but this would diminish as the planting becomes established.
16.4.4
An increase in traffic will be felt both during construction and operational phases of the proposed
scheme along the Plymouth and Strode Roads. This is not considered significant as per the
assessment protocol outlined in the TA.
16.4.5
No other properties are expected to experience significant cumulative effects.
Cumulative Effects with Other Proposed Development Projects
16.4.6
The potential for effects of the proposed IBA and MRF to combine with effects from other
proposed development projects in the vicinity and lead to significant effects has been assessed.
16.4.7
The construction periods for the proposed IBA and MRF, may align with the proposals at the
coach depot. However the programme of works for this site is not available at present.
Measures will be put in place to minimise as far as possible construction traffic effects resulting
from the IBA and MRF.
16.4.8
The two proposed developments will bring new facilities and jobs to the area so in combination
there are considered to be significant beneficial cumulative effects in this respect.
16.5 References
Department for Communities and Local Government (2006) Environmental Impact Assessment:
A guide to good practice and procedures: A consultation paper.
Department of Health (2009) New Horizons: A Shared Vision for Mental Health.
South West Regional Assembly (2004) From Rubbish to Resource: The Regional Waste
Strategy for the South West 2004 – 2020.
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