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Document title Port of Poole Master Plan: Harbour and
Landside Works
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report
Document short title
Status Final Report
Date October 2011
Project name Poole Master Plan Scoping Study
Project number 9W4929
Client Poole Harbour Commissioners
Reference 9W4929/303311/Exet
Stratus House
Emperor Way
Exeter, Devon EX1 3QS
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1392 447999 Telephone
Fax
[email protected] E-mail
www.royalhaskoning.com Internet
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Drafted by Sarah Strong / Christa Page / Steve Challinor
Checked by Christa Page
Date/initials check …CP………………. ………06/10/11………….
Approved by Steve Challinor
Date/initials approval …SC………………. ……06/10/11………….…………
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CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Port of Poole 1 1.2 Draft Port of Poole Master Plan 1 1.3 Harbour and Landside Works 4 1.4 Consenting and EIA Requirements 4 1.5 EIA Screening and Scoping Report 5
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 7 2.1 Proposed Development 7 2.2 Proposed Development Options 19 2.3 Planning and Policy Context 25
3 CONSENTING AND EIA REQUIREMENTS 26 3.1 Introduction 26 3.2 Consenting Requirements 26 3.3 EIA Requirements 28 3.4 Consultation 32 3.5 HRA Requirements 34
4 ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING 37 4.1 Introduction 37 4.2 Coastal Processes 38 4.3 Water and Sediment Quality 44 4.4 Marine Ecology 49 4.5 Marine and Coastal Ornithology 54 4.6 Terrestrial Ecology and Ornithology 58 4.7 Fisheries 61 4.8 Geology and Soils 63 4.9 Historic Environment 65 4.10 Landscape and Visual Amenity 67 4.11 Transport 69 4.12 Noise and Vibration 72 4.13 Air Quality 74 4.14 Navigation 77 4.15 Coastal Protection and Flood Defence 80 4.16 Recreation and Amenity 81 4.17 Socio-Economics 86 4.18 Cumulative Effects Assessment 87
5 PROPOSED SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 88 5.1 EIA Methodology 88 5.2 Consultation 89 5.3 Investigations for the EIA 89 5.4 Content of the Environmental Statement 90
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6 HABITATS REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT: INFORMATION TO INFORM
SCREENING OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON A EUROPEAN SITE 91 6.1 Introduction 91 6.2 Habitats Regulations Assessment Process 91 6.3 Proposed Port Development and Other Plans and Projects 92 6.4 Information on the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar Site 92 6.5 Screening of Likely Significant Effect 93 6.6 Assessment of screened project activities on designated features
to determine potential likely significant effect 98
7 REFERENCES 99
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 1 October 2011
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Port of Poole
1.1.1 The Port of Poole is situated in the northern part of Poole Harbour between the urban
areas of Hamworthy and Poole (see Figure 1.1 and Plate 1.1). The port comprises two
roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry terminals, including 18 hectares of parking space and a
passenger terminal with parking for 650 cars, conventional cargo quays, and limited
covered storage space of 8,500m². The port has a modern fleet of cargo handling
equipment, including cranes, forklifts, tugmasters, pilot boats, tug and dredger, all of
which are on planned maintenance and replacement schedules. The port’s property
also includes the Poole Quay Boat Haven (110 visitor berths and 110 fishing vessels)
situated at the Town Quay, and the recently opened Port of Poole Marina (55 berths).
1.1.2 Unlike other ports along England’s south coast, access to the Port of Poole is limited to
7.5m draught and to vessels of approximately 175m length overall (LOA). Maintenance
dredging is an expensive activity for the port and the disposal of dredged material is
likely to become more problematic in future years.
1.1.3 Poole Harbour has extensive leisure and fishing boat activity and there is a speed
restricted approach to the port’s quays where the turning circle for larger commercial
shipping is about 175m in size. The port also operates a pilot service and towage
service in poor weather.
1.1.4 The Port of Poole is situated within a very large, relatively shallow, natural harbour
which has a narrow mouth through which strong tidal currents flow. The main approach
channel has a challenging kink along its length close to the harbour entrance and the
busy Sandbanks chain ferry. The draught and width restrictions of the approach
channel mean that the Port of Poole is likely to remain a short-sea shipping port and is
unlikely to be able to accommodate vessels in excess of 200m LOA.
1.2 Draft Port of Poole Master Plan
1.2.1 Port of Poole is a trust port established by parliamentary statute in 1895 and is managed
by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) in line with Government’s broad policy aims in
relation to ports.
1.2.2 PHC have prepared and published a draft Port of Poole Master Plan (Ref.1). The draft
Master Plan identifies the port’s strategic planning for the medium to long term (i.e. the
next 20 to 30 years) by identifying the port activities necessary to support the growth
and development of business.
1.2.3 Following publication of the draft Master Plan, PHC are undertaking a series of
consultation events over a 20-week period. These will involve all major categories of
stakeholders, including local residents, shipping lines, hauliers, tenants, local amenity
groups, local business associations and community groups, national non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), regulators, transport network providers, and regional and local
planning bodies. After collating the various responses, PHC will publish the final Master
Plan in 2012, and thereafter it will be periodically reviewed.
�
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 3 October 2011
Plate 1.1 Annotated photograph showing port areas
Little Channel
Poole Quay Boat Haven
Poole Yacht Club
Port of Poole Marina
New Quay: North and South
Oil Jetty
Ro-Ro Berth No 3
Turning Basin Area
Poole Bridge Ro-Ro Berth No 2
POOLE
PORT OF POOLE
Middle Ship Channel
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 4 October 2011
1.3 Harbour and Landside Works
1.3.1 In essence, under the draft Master Plan, PHC are proposing port development in order
to provide the following new infrastructure at the Port of Poole:
• a windfarm base;
• at least one deep water quay;
• a marina including a Marine Centre;
• a cruise ship berth; and
• sufficient water depth for navigation and berthing of vessels using the proposed port
development.
1.3.2 At present, PHC are considering a range of options for the locations and/or layouts of
the proposed port development. The choice of the preferred option(s) will determine the
extent of harbour and landside works required to implement them. Further detail about
the proposed port development options and the anticipated works is provided in Section
2.
1.4 Consenting and EIA Requirements
1.4.1 Subject to the extent of harbour and landside works required, PHC will require a number
of consents prior to construction and operation of the proposed port development.
1.4.2 For those harbour works that PHC do not have sufficient powers to develop under their
current HRO, it is expected that the following consents would be required from the
Marine Management Organisation (MMO):
• a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) under the Harbours Act 1964 (as amended); and
• marine licences under the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009.
1.4.3 In order to support the application processes for these consents, it is expected that
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required, respectively, under:
• the Harbour Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations; and
• the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (as
amended from April 2011).
1.4.4 PHC have general development powers for certain landside works on certain parts of
the port estate. For those landside works that PHC do not have general development
powers, it is expected that consent for landside works – where sufficiently associated
with the harbour works - would be applied for under the HRO and the Harbour Works
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations would apply.
1.4.5 Should all harbour and landside works be such that they can be applied for under the
HRO and marine licences and, if necessary, be executed through PHC’s existing
powers, then the consenting requirements for the proposed port development will
consolidated into applications to the MMO, as illustrated in Plate 1.1.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 5 October 2011
Plate 1.1 Indicative Application ‘Route Map’ (source: Ref.8)
1.4.6 However, if the proposed port development includes landside works that PHC do not
have general development powers and are not sufficiently associated with the harbour
works to be covered under the HRO application, then it is expected that planning
permission under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country
Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999
(as amended) would be required from the Borough of Poole Council.
1.4.7 Further information on the expected consenting and EIA requirements is provided in
Section 3.
1.5 EIA Screening and Scoping Report
1.5.1 To date, PHC have not sought screening opinions from either the Marine Management
Organisation (MMO) or the Borough of Poole Council. This process will establish
whether the proposed developments would be subject to EIA in accordance with the
Regulations identified in paragraph 1.4.2 above and whether the consent applications
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 6 October 2011
would need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES).
1.5.2 This EIA Screening and Scoping Report presents the information required to inform
screening opinions and, assuming EIA to be required, scoping opinions from the MMO
and Borough of Poole Council. This report therefore provides a description of the
construction and operational phases of the proposed port developments, identifies the
environmental issues on which the subsequent EIA process should focus, and identifies
the information to be included within the resulting ES.
1.5.3 In order to present this information, this report comprises six sections. Section 1
provides an introduction to the draft Master Plan, the proposed port developments, and
key consenting and EIA requirements. Section 2 provides a description of the proposed
port developments and options being considered by PHC. Section 3 examines the
consenting and EIA requirements associated with the proposed port developments.
1.5.4 Section 4 details the potential environmental issues associated with the draft Master
Plan. The various environmental issues are considered separately as sub-sections
covering, for example, coastal processes, water and sediment quality, marine ecology,
etc.
1.5.5 For each of these environmental parameters, the following information is provided:
• Baseline environment and receptors – a description of the baseline environmental
conditions for the parameter under consideration, and a description of the data and
information available for impact assessment purposes;
• Identification of potential environmental issues – an identification of the potentially
significant environmental impacts (both adverse and beneficial) associated with the
construction and operation phases of the proposed port developments, taking into
account previous and ongoing activities and the environmental conditions in Poole
and Poole Harbour; and
• Methodology and approach to EIA – a proposed scope of work for the subsequent
EIA process; that is, a description of the subsequent studies and investigations to be
undertaken to inform the EIA process and the information to be included within the
resulting ES.
1.5.6 Section 5 summarises the proposed scope of the EIA and Section 6 provides
information to inform the competent authority’s determination on whether the proposed
port developments require appropriate assessment in accordance with the provisions of
the Habitats Directive and the related requirements for Habitats Regulations
Assessment.
1.5.7 This report will be submitted to the MMO and Borough of Poole Council as part of PHC’s
requests for screening and scoping opinions.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 7 October 2011
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Proposed Development
2.1.1 In summary, the proposed development includes for various harbour and landside works
to provide the following:
• windfarm base;
• deep water quay;
• marina including a Marine Centre;
• cruise ship berth; and
• sufficient water depth for navigation and berthing of vessels using the proposed port
developments.
2.1.2 Context and likely operational activities for the proposed developments is provided in the
following sections.
Windfarm Base
2.1.3 As shown in Plate 2.1, the Port of Poole is the closest port facility to the West of Wight
offshore windfarm and is well placed to provide the developer with the port facilities
required to support construction and, subsequently, operate and maintain the windfarm.
Plate 2.1 West of Wight Offshore Windfarm Development Area
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 8 October 2011
2.1.4 Generally, port facilities supporting the construction of offshore windfarms comprise the
following four areas:
• a quayside unloading area for receiving delivery vessels and unloading turbine
components;
• a storage area for storage of delivered turbine components located either adjacent
to or remotely from (but within 200m) the quayside unloading area;
• a transit area for movement of turbine components between the quayside area and
the storage area; and
• a quayside preparation and loading area for assembling turbine components and
loading assembled turbines onto installation vessels.
2.1.5 In addition, it is anticipated that the windfarm base will require office and car parking
facilities within the port estate.
2.1.6 In order to provide a windfarm base, PHC will develop the south-east part of the port
estate in the area occupied formerly Ro-Ro Berth No. 1 and currently by the Port of
Poole Marina. Works including quay construction, land reclamation and capital dredging
will be required (see Options 1 and 2 in Section 2.2 and Figures 2.1 and 2.2
respectively).
2.1.7 During the construction of the offshore windfarm (c. 1 to 10 years), the key activities at
the windfarm base will entail:
• unloading of in-bound turbine components from delivery vessels (e.g. towers, hubs,
blades, nacelles) using a vessel-mounted crane or quayside crane;
• transit, lay-down and storage of the turbine components (such that they are
available for offshore windfarm construction in relation to weather conditions and
availability of the installation vessel) using crawler cranes and/or transporters;
• preparation and assembly of the turbine components into tower sections and
nacelles with either two or three blades; and
• loading of tower sections, nacelles and, if relevant, the remaining blades onto
installation vessels via vessel-mounted cranes.
2.1.8 All hardstanding areas (i.e. quayside, storage and transit areas) will be lit appropriately
to allow for operation 24 hours a day.
2.1.9 During maintenance of the offshore windfarm (up to 50 years), activities at the windfarm
base will be less intensive and extensive. The windport facility will provide the facilities
necessary for the maintenance crew (i.e. offices) and vessels (i.e. berths), storage of
spare parts and repairs.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 11 October 2011
Deep Water Quay
2.1.10 With the recent downturn in Ro-Ro cross channel activity, including the suspended
service operated by Brittany Ferries, PHC recognise the need to develop other income
streams in order to secure the port’s future. PHC is experiencing increasing demand for
handling conventional cargoes, including the potential for acting as a feeder port
supplying and receiving containers from larger terminals (e.g. from the Port of
Southampton). Accordingly, PHC need to provide at least one deep water quay with a
berth dredged to 7.5m below Chart Datum (CD) specifically to deal with cargoes carried
by larger vessels.
2.1.11 In order to provide deep water quay facilities, PHC will develop a deep water quay as
part of the windfarm base (see Options 1 and 2 in Section 2.2 and Figures 2.1 and 2.2
respectively) and/or will develop at least one of the existing conventional quays along
the Little Channel (i.e. the Oil Jetty, New Quay South, New Quay North) through works
including quay construction and capital dredging (see Option 3 in Section 2.2 and
Figure 2.3). In addition, PHC need to provide additional covered storage facilities, such
as storage sheds.
2.1.12 The port already handles and stores conventional cargoes through the import and/or
export of steel commodities, timber, roadstone, animal feeds and grain, ball clay, bricks,
marine aggregates (sand and gravel), containers and general cargoes. PHC’s trade
data identify that the annual tonnage of conventional cargo passing through the Port of
Poole ranges from approximately 388,000 to 855,000 tonnes (see Plate 2.2). This trade
includes a tri-weekly service between Poole and the Channel Islands operated by
Channel Seaways. PHC operate a modern fleet of cargo handling equipment including
cranes and forklifts and has covered storage of 8,500m2.
Plate 2.2 Conventional Cargo Handled at the Port of Poole (1983-2010)
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
700000
800000
900000
1983/8
4
1984/8
5
1985/8
6
1986/8
7
1987/8
8
1988/8
9
1989/9
0
1990/9
1
1991/9
2
1992/9
3
1993/9
4
1994/9
5
1995/9
6
1996/9
7
1997/9
8
1991/9
2
1999/2
0
2000/0
1
2001/0
2
2002/0
3
2003/0
4
2004/0
5
2005/0
6
2006/0
7
2007/0
8
2008/0
9
2009/1
0
Year
To
nn
es
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 12 October 2011
2.1.13 The current nature of port operations will not change significantly by the development of
at least one new deep water quay. However, the deep water quay will ensure that the
port can compete effectively for the handling and storage of conventional and bulk
cargoes by allowing the safe navigation and berthing of the larger vessels that are used
to transport these cargoes.
Poole Harbour Marine Centre, marina and facilities
2.1.14 The port has been involved in the marina/boat haven sector since 2001 with the
development of the Poole Quay Boat Haven and, much more recently, the Port of Poole
Marina. This part of PHC’s business has grown successfully but the restricted size of
Poole Quay Boat Haven (c.200 berths) and the Port of Poole Marina (c.55 berths)
means that both facilities are close to maximum occupancy, with the latter becoming
close to capacity within a month of completion.
2.1.15 The decision by BPC to move ahead with the Twin Sails Bridge has already resulted in
boats berthed in Holes Bay seeking alternative facilities either within Poole Harbour or
elsewhere along the south coast of England. It is proposed that the marina will require
an area large enough to accommodate 950 berths but be located close to the Port of
Poole.
2.1.16 A new marina could accommodate many of the boats that might otherwise move away
from Poole Harbour, attract new boats to Poole Harbour and attract major sailing events
and substantial revenue to the town. The creation of a Marine Business Park on the
port could result in the creation of new cluster of marine businesses in Poole, bringing
revenue to PHC as well as facilities and employment to the local marine sector.
2.1.17 In order to provide the new marina, PHC will develop either the water area extending
south-west from the existing Poole Yacht Club or the water area extending south from
the existing Poole Quay Boat Haven. The construction of breakwaters, deployment of
mooring systems and capital dredging will be required at both locations (see Options 4
and 5 in Section 2.2 and Figures 2.4 and 2.5 respectively).
2.1.18 Operation of the new marina is not expected to introduce 800 to 900 new boats to Poole
Harbour because it is anticipated that a number of these boats will relocate from existing
moorings within the Harbour. In particular, it is anticipated that boats will be relocated
from moorings in Holes Bay so that sailors can avoid the delays associated with waiting
for the opening of the lifting bridges so that they can pass in and out of the Harbour.
This expectation is based on berth uptake at the recently opened Port of Poole Marina
where approximately 50 per cent of the 55 berths were taken by boats relocating from
elsewhere within the Harbour.
2.1.19 Annual Watercraft Activity surveys are carried out by PHC to monitor the usage of the
Harbour and to identify trends in activity from year to year. The 2010 summer survey
indicates that the most popular types of vessels are cruisers, speed-boats and yachts,
with approximately 50,000 vessels counted travelling through the Harbour entrance
during June to August 2010. Other vessels, making up the remainder of the recreational
activities include fishing, RNLI and diving boats, as well as dinghies, canoes and RIBs.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 14 October 2011
2.1.20 In addition to the marina, the Marine Centre itself is proposed to provide and/or
stimulate:
• facilities for hosting major sailing events (e.g. regattas and races);
• clubhouse/bar/restaurant;
• a Marine Business Park to accommodate marine related commercial activity
including chandlery, riggers, sail-makers, etc; and
• a Poole Harbour Education Centre to provide local residents and stakeholders
(including schools) with a facility to learn about the Harbour.
Cruise Ship Berth
2.1.21 The Port of Poole annually handles two to three day calls a year from small cruise
vessels using the existing quays and onshore facilities for check-in, customs, baggage
handling, passenger handling and ship stores. The small cruise vessels are typically up
to 35,000 tonnes and carry up to 500 passengers. Previous cruise companies using the
port include Hapag Lloyd, Plantours, Saga, Hebridean Island Cruises and Waverley.
2.1.22 PHC are integrally involved in Destination South West, a marketing organisation for
cruise ships in the South West of England. As a result, PHC has received interest from
cruise companies interested in utilising the port, both for day calls and turnarounds.
PHC have been advised by experts within the industry that the port could handle 30-40
cruise calls (both day calls and turnarounds) per annum if new cruise ship berthing
facilities were provided.
2.1.23 In order to provide cruise ship facilities, PHC will develop a new berth either as part of
the windfarm base (see Options 1 and 2 in Section 2.2 and Figures 2.1 and 2.2
respectively), or as part of the deep water quay (see Option 3 in Section 2.2 and Figure
2.3), or as a dedicated berth connected to the new marina (see Options 4 and 5 in
Section 2.2 and Figures 2.4 and 2.5 respectively).
2.1.24 Day calls entail a visit to the port by a vessel as part of a cruise itinerary. Typically, a
cruise vessel arrives at port early in the morning (i.e. between 06:00 and 08:00),
remains on the berth throughout the day, and departs the port in the early evening (i.e.
between 18:00 and 20:00). This routine allows enough time for passengers to make
shore-side excursions during the day when the vessel is on the berth. Custom facilities
will therefore need to be made available.
2.1.25 During the operation of the proposed cruise ship berth, it is anticipated that day calls
could be made throughout the year but would tend to be more frequent during the period
April to September. It is also anticipated that 50% of the passengers coming ashore
would visit Poole by walking or shuttle bus, while the other 50% would participate in
shore-side excursions to places of interest typically within an hour coach journey of the
port. On the basis that up to 500 passengers could come ashore during a day call, it is
anticipated that 250 passengers would walk or take a shuttle bus into Poole and 250
passengers would take a coach to a place of interest. Allowing for 45 passengers per
coach, a day call could generate up to five or six coach loads departing from and
returning to the port.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 17 October 2011
2.1.27 Turnaround calls entail the port being the point of embarkation and/or disembarkation for
passengers starting and/or ending a cruise itinerary and passengers and their luggage
will need to pass through customs control. Typically, a cruise vessel arrives at port a
day or two before departing to begin another cruise. During this time the vessel is re-
stocked (e.g. with food, water and other supplies), re-fuelled and has its waste (e.g.
rubbish, sewage) collected and disposed of appropriately.
2.1.28 During operation of the proposed cruise ship berth, it is anticipated that turnarounds
would be made throughout the year. It is also anticipated that passengers would
arrive/depart the by a combination of coach (50%), car (45%) and public transport (5%).
Passengers arriving by car would park their car within the port estate during the cruise.
On the basis that up to 500 passengers could embark or disembark a turnaround call, it
is anticipated that 250 passengers would arrive/depart by coach, 225 passengers would
arrive/depart by car, and 25 passengers would arrive/depart by public transport.
Allowing for 45 passengers per coach and two passengers per car, a turnaround call
could generate up to five or six coach loads and 113 cars arriving at and departing from
the port.
2.1.29 If the road traffic figures are scaled up for 20 day calls per annum, the cruise ship berth
will generate approximately 110 coach loads or 220 movements per annum. If the road
traffic figures are scaled up for 20 turnaround calls per annum, the cruise ship berth will
generate approximately 110 coach loads or 220 coach movements per annum and
2,260 cars or 4,520 car movements per annum. Compared to the number of Heavy
Goods Vehicles (HGV) and car movements per annum associated with the port’s
existing Ro-Ro ferry operations (see Plates 2.3 and 2.4 respectively), the road traffic
generated by the cruise ship berth would be low.
Plate 2.3 HGVs Handled at the Port of Poole (1983-2010)
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
1983/8
4
1984/8
5
1985/8
6
1986/8
7
1987/8
8
1988/8
9
1989/9
0
1990/9
1
1991/9
2
1992/9
3
1993/9
4
1994/9
5
1995/9
6
1996/9
7
1997/9
8
1991/9
2
1999/2
0
2000/0
1
2001/0
2
2002/0
3
2003/0
4
2004/0
5
2005/0
6
2006/0
7
2007/0
8
2008/0
9
2009/1
0
Year
HG
Vs
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 18 October 2011
Plate 2.4 Cars Handled at the Port of Poole (1983-2010)
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
2500001983/8
4
1984/8
5
1985/8
6
1986/8
7
1987/8
8
1988/8
9
1989/9
0
1990/9
1
1991/9
2
1992/9
3
1993/9
4
1994/9
5
1995/9
6
1996/9
7
1997/9
8
1991/9
2
1999/2
0
2000/0
1
2001/0
2
2002/0
3
2003/0
4
2004/0
5
2005/0
6
2006/0
7
2007/0
8
2008/0
9
2009/1
0
Year
Cars
Capital Dredging, Land Reclamation and the Disposal of Dredged Material at Sea
2.1.30 Access to the port is provided via the existing approach channel, which is regularly
dredged to maintain a water depth water depth to 7.5m below CD.
2.1.31 Additional capital dredging will be required to provide the water depths necessary to
accommodate the berthing and facilitate the manoeuvring of vessels using the proposed
windfarm base, deep water quay, marina and cruise ship berth. In essence, water
depths will be required up to 9m below CD at the windfarm base, deep water quay and
cruise ship berth, and up to 2.5m below CD at the marina.
Construction
2.1.32 For all of the proposed developments, capital dredging leading to the provision of
dredged materials to be used as fill for land reclamation is likely to involve the use of a
cutter suction dredger. In this case, the cutter suction dredger will pump the dredged
material directly into the land reclamation areas via a floating pipeline.
2.1.33 However, if the dredged material will not be suitable for use as fill for land reclamation,
capital dredging leading to the disposal of dredged material to the disposal site in Poole
Bay is likely to involve the use of a backhoe dredger. The backhoe dredger will place
the dredged material into a self-propelled barge. The self-propelled barge will sail out to
the Swanage disposal site where it will deposit the dredged material (see Plate 2.5).
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 19 October 2011
Plate 2.5 Approximate location of Swanage licensed disposal site
Swanage Disposal Ground
Operation
2.1.34 Maintenance dredging is currently undertaken in line with the Poole Harbour Sediment
Management Plan (SedMP) (Ref.2). It is proposed that any maintenance dredging
required in relation to the proposed harbour works under the Master Plan will be
considered in line with the existing SedMP. Further detail on the current plan is
provided in Section 4.2.
2.2 Proposed Development Options
2.2.1 The port estate covers approximately 23 hectares. Given the port’s location extending
out into Poole Harbour, the only realistic option for creating new port land is to reclaim
part or all of the former Ro-Ro No.1 berth in the estate’s south-east corner, which is also
the location of the Port of Poole Marina (see Figure 1.1). In addition, the only realistic
option for creating a new marina is to extend from the port estate’s western boundary by
relocating Poole Yacht Club, or extend from Town Quay.
2.2.2 At present, PHC are considering five options to deliver the proposed developments.
Consent applications will be sought by PHC for one or a combination of two or more of
these options. These options and their potential construction methods are briefly
summarised below and shown on Figures 2.1 to 2.5.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 20 October 2011
Option 1 – Windfarm Base and New Deep Water Quay
2.2.3 Option 1 (see Figure 2.1) comprises a combined harbour works but separate landside
works for the windfarm base. Under this option harbour works in the form of land
reclamation will take approximately half of the water area currently allocated for the Port
of Poole Marina to provide the deep water berth and quayside area for the windfarm
base. The berthing pocket located to the south of the reclaimed land will be dredged to
9m below CD. The deep water quay could also provide for a cruise berth.
2.2.4 It is anticipated that the windfarm base’s landside storage area will be located within the
existing port estate but away from, rather than directly adjacent, to the new quay. The
scale of the storage area will depend on the turbine size and numbers to be stored, but
could be up to 10 hectares. Additional space would provide at least 15m wide access
corridors for cranes and transporters. It is anticipated that the combined quayside and
preparation area proposed under Option 1 would have approximate dimensions of 220m
by 75m.
2.2.5 Construction of Option 1 is most likely to comprise a sheet piled retaining wall with
concrete capping beams with the area contained within the new walls being backfilled
with suitable marine dredged granular material. This area is likely to be a paved hard
standing area. The piling work is likely to be carried out from marine plant although it
would be possible to work from the landside. Typically the piling will be installed using
either hammer or vibration depending on the geophysical nature of the seabed.
2.2.6 There is a relatively small dredged pocket on the south side of the new quay facility and
this is likely to be carried out by a cutter suction dredger or long-reach backhoe
excavator from the quayside subject to the potential use or disposal of the dredged
material. The use or disposal of the dredged material will be dependant upon its
properties but, if possible, will be used as part of the fill material for the construction of
this option or other components of the proposed development.
2.2.7 Site facilities for the construction could be based on the port estate. The materials such
as piles, fill material and some aggregates for the construction would most likely be
delivered to the port by marine plant or from local stone quarries.
Option 2 – Windfarm Base and New Deep Water Quays
2.2.8 Option 2 (see Figure 2.2) includes and extends the marine works proposed in Option 1
by infilling of the whole of the existing Port of Poole Marina and creating a new deep
water berth dredged to 7.5m below CD to the east of the site. This will accommodate
the storage areas and deep water quay activities. The windfarm base and new deep
water berth proposed in Option 1 at the south of the site is also proposed as part of
Option 2. One of the deep water quays could also provide for a cruise berth.
2.2.9 It is anticipated that a transit area for the windfarm base would be required under Option
2, which would be at least 25m wide to accommodate crane movements and turning.
As for Option 1, it is anticipated that the combined quayside and preparation area
proposed for the windfarm base would have approximate dimensions of 220m by 75m,
and the berthing pocket would be dredged to 9m below CD.
2.2.10 Construction of Option 2 will be similar to Option 1 with little change in the length of piled
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 21 October 2011
structure but increased land reclamation. This option will require larger quantities of fill
material, hardstanding and dredging; however it allows for the provision of two versatile
quay lengths and a protected area for small commercial craft.
Option 3 – Deepening of Existing Conventional Quays
2.2.11 Option 3 (see Figure 2.3) considers the accommodation requirements of handling bulk
cargo and proposes dredging of the Little Channel to 7.5m below CD and the
reconstruction of the conventional quays to the east of the port estate (i.e. the New
Quay North, New Quay South and the Oil Jetty).
2.2.12 Construction of Option 3 comprises the dredging of the Little Channel and the formation
of a new deeper and longer quay structure along the eastern side of the port estate.
The construction of the northern section of this facility (i.e. New Quay North and New
Quay South) is likely to be that of a new piled wall formed in front of the existing quay
walls. This piled wall will be tied back using anchors located under the hardstanding in
the port estate and a new capping beam formed with suitable fill material placed in the
void between the old and new walls. This work would have to be undertaken prior to
any capital dredging in the Little Channel.
2.2.13 At the southern end of this facility (i.e. the Oil Jetty) a number of options exist for the
formation of the quay. The quay could be extended by the installation of a number of
dolphin structures formed from monopiles, cellular structures or tubular piles.
Alternatively the southern extension could be formed from a sheet piled finger jetty.
2.2.14 With all of the possibilities available for the construction of this option it is likely that the
construction would be carried out by a combination of marine and land based plant. The
piling will either be hammer or vibration driving method depending on the geophysical
nature of the seabed.
2.2.15 As with Options 1 and 2, it is likely that the majority of the construction materials will be
imported to site by sea using marine plant, and that construction site facilities would be
based on the port estate.
2.2.16 Capital dredging is likely to be carried out by a cutter suction dredger or long-reach
backhoe excavator subject to the potential use or disposal of the dredged material. The
use or disposal of the dredged material will be dependant upon its properties but, if
possible, will be used as part of the fill material for the construction of this option or other
components of the proposed development.
Option 4 – Marina (Western Option)
2.2.17 Option 4 (see Figure 2.4) provides the details of the location of the new marina to the
west of the port estate. This entails partial removal of the existing Poole Harbour Yacht
Club breakwater and the relocation of the Poole Yacht Club to the west of the new
marina. Option 4 also includes the proposals for a new cruise ship berth to be
constructed along the south side of the new marina. Capital dredging will be required to
2.5m below CD within the Poole Yacht Club and the new marina and to 7.5m below CD
within the new cruise ship berth. Capital dredging of areas of the Wareham Channel will
be kept to a minimum but will be needed to align and straighten the channel to provide a
consistent depth of 2.5m below CD. Provision for a Marine Centre is also made within
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 22 October 2011
Option 4 and is likely to be located within the port estate on land adjacent to the new
marina.
2.2.18 The construction of Option 4 is likely to comprise the following key construction
activities. Partial demolition and removal of the existing breakwater will be required.
This activity is likely to be undertaken by land based plant with the resulting materials
being moved to partly form the creation of the new rubble mound breakwaters required
under Option 4.
2.2.19 Capital dredging of the marina areas and parts of the Wareham Channel will be required
for the reasons described above. Capital dredging is likely to be carried out by a cutter
suction dredger or long-reach backhoe excavator subject to the potential use or disposal
of the dredged material. The use or disposal of the dredged material will be dependant
upon its properties but, if possible, it could be used as part of the fill material for the
construction of this option or other components of the proposed development.
2.2.20 Rubble mound breakwaters will be constructed to form the perimeter of the marina
areas. The breakwaters will probably comprise core materials and armour materials,
and will be created by end-tipping of graded materials to form a causeway. The
protection of the core material will be with the use of rock armour. It is likely that the
breakwater’s construction materials will be imported to site by sea (i.e. on barges). As a
roadway will be required on top of the breakwater, it is likely that the crest width will be
wide enough for all construction plant to access and utilise it, thereby negating the
extensive use of marine-based construction plant for placing the core and armour
materials. The access road will be constructed using a series of precast concrete units
and a flexible pavement type.
2.2.21 A dividing structure between the new marina and the relocated Poole Yacht Club is
likely to be installed and probably aligned in a north-south direction. This structure could
be constructed from either a solid wall of sheet piles or pre-cast concrete gravity units or
a series of discrete piles interconnected by floating pontoons.
2.2.22 Land will be reclaimed within the marina area to provide landside facilities. The
reclamation material will be compounded by either a small piled retaining structure or a
revetment slope or a combination of the two. The area will require concrete slipways for
land to water access for the users.
2.2.23 Construction of the cruise berth is likely to be formed by a series of discrete
berthing/mooring dolphins interconnected by access walkways. The dolphin structures
are likely to be piled using a number of tubular piles with a concrete pile cap. The
walkways spanning between these dolphins are likely to comprise steel trusses offering
access for port and vessel personnel for berthing and mooring activities.
2.2.24 The cruise ship passengers will require access to and from the vessel and this may
need to be via a moveable passenger access walkway which would need to be located
somewhere along the berthing line indicated in Figure 2.4. In addition, vehicular access
to and from the vessel will be required for both passengers and supplies. It is likely that
this will be achieved using substantial floating pontoons capable of vehicular access.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 23 October 2011
Option 5 – Marina (Eastern Option)
2.2.25 Option 5 (see Figure 2.5) proposes a layout for a new marina on the eastern side of the
port estate at Town Quay. This will require extending the existing Poole Quay Boat
Haven with the location of the cruise berth on the Main Shipping Channel side of the
new marina. Capital dredging will be required to 2.5m below CD within the marina and
7.5m below CD for the cruise ship berth. Provision of a marine centre and business park
is still proposed as part of Option 5 (see Option 4) but will be on land which is currently
part of the port estate.
2.2.26 The construction of Option 5, although the location changes, comprises the same key
construction activities as highlighted for Option 4.
Combination of Options
2.2.27 Options 1 to 5 offer PHC various combinations of development to achieve the proposed
developments of the windport, deep water, marina and cruise facilities, as illustrated by
Table 2.1.
2.2.28 PHC will not develop all five options, but are likely to develop a combination of either
Option 1 or Option 2 along with either Option 4 or Option 5. Option 3 could be added to
any combination of the options. A cruise ship berth is shown under a number of options,
but would only be developed at one location.
Table 2.1 Potential Port Development under Options 1 to 5
Option Windfarm
Base
Deep Water
Quay
Marina Cruise Ship
Berth
Option 1 � � � �
Option 2 � � � �
Option 3 � � � �
Option 4 � � � �
Option 5 � � � �
2.2.29 Figure 2.6 summaries the options.
MP 117.5
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Poole Yacht Club
PORT OF POOLE MASTERPLAN -
HARBOUR AND LANDSIDE WORKS
REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS WITH PERMISSION
FROM THE CONTROLLER OF HM STATIONERY OFFICE. CROWN
COPYRIGHT RESERVED. LICENCE No. AL100017728
HASKONING UK LTD
www.royalhaskoning.com
Telephone
Fax
Internet
OFFICE/DIVISIONAdreesLine1
AddressLine2
AddressLine3
Telephone No.
Fax No.E-Mail
Option 4
Option 1
Option 3
Option 2
Option 5
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 25 October 2011
2.3 Planning and Policy Context
2.3.1 In 2009 the Department for Transport published a draft National Policy Statement for
Ports (Ref.3) which followed the introduction of the Planning Act 2008 and the Marine
and Coastal Access Act 2009. Although this document is yet to gain approval, it sets
out the need for new port infrastructure and the economic role ports in the UK undertake
in freight and bulk material movements, the supply of energy, tourism and leisure
(including passenger cruise liners) and general contributions to local and regional
economies.
2.3.2 Most importantly, the document seeks to encourage port development, particularly in
relation to long-term forecast growth in imports and exports whilst ensuring compliance
with legal, and environmental and social objectives and constraints.
2.3.3 In relation to the Port of Poole being a Trust Port, consideration of Government
guidance in relation to the operation of Trust Ports is relevant (Ref.4). This guidance
states that ‘Trust Port boards should transact business in the interests of the whole
community of stakeholders openly, accountably and with commercial prudence’.
2.3.4 The Poole Local Plan (Ref.5) and Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset Structure Plan (Ref.
6) both acknowledge the need to renew and develop the road and rail links for the
region for both the socio-economic benefit to the local population and specifically
acknowledges the port in its own right. Both these plans support the Government’s
strategy for sustainable transport development (Planning and Policy Guidance 13) which
considers the need for integration of different modes including the transport of freight
transport to shipping where possible. Local authorities are therefore encouraged to
promote the role of ports by encouraging access to them by road and rail.
2.3.5 Additionally, the Poole Local Plan identifies that there is sufficient deep water frontage
and infrastructure in place to allow for an increase in ferry services and coastal shipping
if required. This is re-iterated in the Poole Core Strategy (PCS) (Ref.7) with the creation
of policy PCS 3 which specifically addresses the Port of Poole.
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 26 October 2011
3 CONSENTING AND EIA REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 The following paragraphs set out the principal consents required for the harbour and
landside works associated with the proposed development components of the draft Port
of Poole Master Plan that are likely to require EIA.
3.1.2 As identified in Section 1.3, PHC will be seeking a range of consents for the harbour and
landside works associated with the proposed port development, including a harbour
order in the form of a HRO under the Harbours Act 1964 (as amended), a marine
licence under the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009 and, potentially, planning
permission under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
3.1.3 Plate 3.1 provides an overview of the key steps the EIA process in relation to marine
licensing.
3.2 Consenting Requirements
Harbour Revision Order
3.2.1 PHC’s statutory authority as harbour authority is established by the Poole Harbour Acts
and Orders 1756 to 2001. The latest order, the Poole Harbour Revision Order 2001,
does not provide PHC with sufficient powers to undertake the harbour works for the port
development proposed under the draft Master Plan.
3.2.2 A HRO is one of a number of orders that can be made under the Harbours Act 1964.
Schedule 2 to the Harbours Act sets out where Harbour Revision Orders may be
required and it has been determined that PHC require a new HRO for one or more of the
objects under this schedule. Accordingly, PHC are to apply for a new HRO under
Section 14 of the Harbours Act to amend the existing Poole Harbour Acts and Orders
1756 to 2001 such that it provides PHC with the statutory powers necessary to
undertake the harbour works proposed under the Master Plan.
Marine Licences
3.2.3 Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act defines the marine activities for which a
licence is required. Under section 66(1), these activities include the deposit and
removal of any substance or object in the sea or on or over the sea bed, construction of
any works and any form of dredging within the UK marine licensing area.
3.2.4 The port development proposed under the draft Master Plan requires a range of
licensable activities including construction works (e.g. quay works, land reclamation,
breakwater construction), dredging and disposal of dredged material.
3.2.5 Accordingly, the proposed port development is likely to fall under the categories listed in
MMO guidance; harbour and navigation works and land reclamation (Ref.8), both of
which require a marine licence.
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 27 October 2011
Plate 3.1 Pre-application Route Map (source: Ref.8)
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 28 October 2011
3.2.6 At the time of preparing this EIA Screening and Scoping Report, it is not known whether
PHC will need to deploy aids to navigation in relation to the proposed port development.
However, the MMO guidance states that a harbour authority wishing to undertake works
for an aid to navigation is exempt from requiring a marine licence (Ref.8).
3.2.7 The works for the proposed port development will potentially include the partial removal
of existing port infrastructure including, for example, partial removal of a breakwater and
various pontoons and marina infrastructure depending on which option the marina is
progressed. Accordingly, the proposed port development could also fall under one of
the types of removal projects identified in MMO guidance (Ref.8) under
decommissioning.
3.2.8 In terms of the proposed maintenance requirements of the proposed port development,
a marine licence is unlikely to be required as activities will only be carried out for the
purposes of maintaining the harbour works and will be within the existing footprint.
Planning Permission
3.2.9 PHC have some general development powers in relation to landside works on the port
estate. These powers do not extend across the whole of the port estate. To a certain
extent, the HRO will be able to provide PHC with powers to undertake landside works,
but these powers can only be applied for where the landside works are sufficiently
related to the harbour works proposed under the HRO application.
3.2.10 At the time of preparing this EIA Screening and Scoping Report it is not known whether
PHC will need to apply for planning permission for landside works. However, at present,
it is assumed that some elements of the landside works might require planning
permission in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
3.2.11 The Town & Country Planning Act gives the Borough of Poole Council powers to grant
planning permission for development in the area under their jurisdiction (i.e. the Borough
of Poole). Under the Act, development includes “carrying out of building, engineering,
mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material
change in the use of any buildings or other land”.
3.3 EIA Requirements
EIA Regulations
3.3.1 The consent applications for the development proposed under the Port of Poole Master
Plan are likely to be subject to EIA in accordance with the requirements of the Council
Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended by Directives 97/11/EC, 03/35/EC and 09/31/EC) on
The Assessment of the Effects of Certain Public and Private Projects on the
Environment (herein referred to as the ‘EIA Directive’). The EIA Directive contains a
number of annexes. Annex I to the EIA Directive provides a list of projects for which EIA
is mandatory. Annex II to the EIA Directive provides a list of projects for which EIA may
be required. If a project falls under Annex II, then the requirement for EIA is based on
the selection criteria identified in Annex III (e.g. the characteristics and location of a
project, and the characteristics of the potential environment impact of a project).
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 29 October 2011
3.3.2 The EIA Directive is transposed into national law by:
• Harbour Works (EIA) Regulations 1999;
• Marine Works (EIA) Regulations 2007 as due to be amended by the Marine Works
(EIA) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (in April 2011); and
• Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and
Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended).
Harbour Revision Order
3.3.3 Schedule 3 of the Harbours Act has been substituted by the provisions of the Harbour
Works (EIA) Regulations 1999 and, in its amended form, sets out the procedure for
making harbour orders (including HROs) in accordance with the provisions of the EIA
Directive. Under Schedule 3, EIA may be required for a ‘project’ to which a HRO
application relates; where a ‘project’ can be defined as “(a) execution of construction
works or other installations or schemes, and (b) other interventions in the natural
surroundings and landscape”. According to the Harbour Works (EIA) Regulations a
project requires EIA if it falls within Annex I or II of the EIA Directive.
Marine Licence
3.3.4 The Marine Works (EIA) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 make provision for EIA in
accordance with the provisions of the EIA Directive for licensable marine activities under
the Marine Act. EIA is therefore required where a regulated activity relates to the
projects listed under Annex I of the EIA Directive and may be required where a
licensable marine activity relates to the projects listed under Annex II of the EIA
Directive. The MMO states that, ‘EIA consent’ must be granted before a regulator (i.e.
the MMO for the Port of Poole Master Plan) can grant a marine licence (Ref.9).
Planning Permission
3.3.5 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and
Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended) make provision for EIA in accordance with the
provisions of the EIA Directive. Development listed in Schedule 1 of these Regulations
requires EIA in all cases, whereas development listed in Schedule 2 requires EIA if it is
likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its size,
nature or location.
3.3.6 Port development is defined under Schedule 1, 8(b) as “Trading ports, piers for loading
and unloading connected to land and outside ports (excluding ferry piers) which can
take vessels of over 1,350 tonnes”.
3.3.7 Marina development is defined under Schedule 2, 12(b) as “Marinas”. Marina
development is likely to require EIA if “The area of the enclosed water surface exceeds
1,000 square metres”.
EIA Screening
3.3.8 The EIA Directive and Regulations establish a number of stages to the EIA process.
The first stage is termed ‘screening’ and this is the process by which a regulator
determines whether EIA is required for a proposed development i.e. the regulator
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 30 October 2011
provides a Screening Opinion. This EIA Screening and Scoping Report forms part of
PHC’s request to the MMO and the Borough of Poole Council for a Screening Opinion.
3.3.9 Regulators typically make reference to Annexes I, II and III within the EIA Directive, or
the relevant EIA Regulations, in order to provide a Screening Opinion.
Information to Inform a Screening Opinion: HRO and Marine Licences
3.3.10 The MMO’s guidance (Ref. 9) identifies that certain information should be provided to
inform a request to the MMO for a screening opinion in relation to a marine licence
application. PHC assume that this information is sufficient to inform a request to the
MMO for a screening opinion in relation to a HRO application. Table 3.1 identifies the
information required and the sections at which the required information can be found in
this Environmental Screening and Scoping Report.
Table 3.1 Required Information to be provided for a Screening Opinion (Ref.9)
Information to be Provided Chapter
Reference
A brief description of the project 3
A statement of the working methods to be used in the course of the
project
3
Size / scale of the project 3
Area(s) under consideration for development and the wider
development (offshore and onshore requirements / terrestrial and
marine footprints)
3 & 4
Relevant maps, plans, charts or site drawings 1 & 3
An idea of timescale and duration of the development 3
A summary of all discussions already held with primary advisors and
consultees
1
A statement of any navigational issues envisaged 4
3.3.11 Based on the above assumptions and at the current stage of the project, it is anticipated
that port development proposed under the draft Master Plan could qualify for EIA under
the following development descriptions included under Annex I to the EIA Directive:
• Annex I 8 (b) “Trading ports, piers for loading and unloading connected to land and
outside ports (excluding ferry piers) which can take vessels of over 1 350 tonnes”.
3.3.12 Alternatively, the proposed port development could qualify for EIA under the following
development descriptions included under Annex II to the EIA Directive:
• Annex II 10 (e): “Construction of roads, harbours and port installations, including
fishing harbours (projects not included in Annex I)”;
• Annex II 10 (k): “Coastal work to combat erosion and maritime works capable of
altering the coast through the construction, for example, of dykes, moles, jetties and
other sea defence works, excluding the maintenance and reconstruction of such
work”; and/or
• Annex II 12 (b) “Marinas”.
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3.3.13 Given the requirements of the EIA Directive, as transposed into the Harbour Works
(EIA) Regulations and the Marine Works (EIA) Regulations, PHC expect the MMO to
decide that the proposed port development includes a project (or a relevant project) that
requires EIA.
Information to Inform a Screening Opinion: Planning Permission
3.3.14 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and
Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended) states that a request for a screening opinion
shall be accompanied by:
• A plan sufficient to identify the land;
• A brief description of the nature and purpose of the development and of its possible
effects on the environment; and
• Such other information or representations as the person making the request may
wish to provide or make.
3.3.15 This EIA Screening and Scoping Report provides this information.
3.3.16 Given that the proposed port development is likely to qualify as Schedule 1 development
(and that the marina alone is likely to qualify as Schedule 2 development exceeding the
applicable threshold for requiring EIA) under the EIA Regulations, PHC expect the
Borough of Poole Council to decide that it requires EIA.
EIA Scoping
3.3.17 In addition to screening, the EIA Directive and Regulations establish a second stage to
the EIA process that is termed ‘scoping’. Scoping is the process by which a regulator
considers what the main effects of the development are likely to be and, therefore, the
topics on which the EIA should focus and the information to be included within an ES
(Ref.9). The resulting determination is called a ‘Scoping Opinion’. In addition to
providing the information for a Screening determination, this EIA Screening and Scoping
Report therefore also forms part of PHC’s request to the MMO for a Scoping Opinion.
Information to Inform a Scoping Opinion
3.3.18 The MMO’s guidance identifies that certain information is required to inform a request to
the MMO for a scoping opinion in relation to a marine licence application (Ref.9). It is
therefore also assumed that this information is sufficient to inform a request to the MMO
for a scoping opinion in relation to a HRO application. Table 3.2 identifies the required
and recommended information. In order to demonstrate that this report contains this
information, the table also identifies the relevant chapters of this report where the
information can be found.
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 32 October 2011
Table 3.2 Required and recommended Information to be provided in a request for a
Scoping Opinion (Ref.9)
Required information to be provided Chapter Reference
Description of the project, providing further detail to
that provided at screening
3
Summary of the installation and decommissioning
methods, including removal or leaving in situ
3
Project location, including a location map, for all
aspects of the project
1 & 3
List of the receptors likely to be affected by different
stages or activities of the project
4
Identification of the potential environmental issues with
a estimation of the likelihood and potential severity
4
Details / plan for conducting technical studies,
methodologies and resource to be used
4
Address any comments received as feedback from the
screening stage
N/A as screening and scoping
being undertaken together
Recommended information to be provided
Suggested alternatives to the development 3
Details of the baseline surveys and monitoring being
proposed
4
Proposed stakeholder consultation strategy, including
a proposed list of consultees
5
Suggested structure, content and length of the ES 5
List of the key regulators, their roles and relevant
legislation
5
Known data gaps 4
3.3.19 Scoping therefore comprised a series of tasks:
• Site visit to gain an overview of the development’s location and the study area’s
principal environmental features;
• Collation of existing environmental information by searching of relevant databases
and literature;
• Identification of the potential environmental issues arising as a result of the
proposed development;
• Consultation with key consultees; and
• Preparation of this EIA Screening and Scoping Report.
3.4 Consultation
3.4.1 As part of the EIA screening and scoping study, informal consultation was carried out
with three key consultees for the following purposes:
• To determine the particular concerns of consultees about the proposed
development;
• To obtain existing information and data about the site; and
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 33 October 2011
• To discuss the scope of the work required during the EIA to investigate the potential
significant impacts.
3.4.2 A list of these consultees and their response is summarised below. It should be noted
that consultation will not be limited to these organisations during the EIA process (see
Section 5 for further detail).
Natural England
3.4.3 In addition to a letter provided by Natural England in June 2011, further advice was
sought following publication of the draft Master Plan by telephone on 7 September 2011.
The following bullet points summarise Natural England’s areas of concern:
• Loss of inter-tidal and sub-tidal habitat (both directly within the footprint of the
proposed harbour works and indirectly as a result of hydrodynamic changes);
• Value of habitat to feeding and roosting waterbirds in the vicinity of the port that may
be impacted by the proposed harbour works both during construction and operation.
A specific concern was raised regarding wildfowl and diving birds feeding in the area
(grebes and red breasted merganser);
• Loss of potentially important sub-tidal habitat provided by the existing breakwater
located within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (specific concern regarding sub-
tidal species listed in SSSI citation);
• Concerns regarding any proposals for beach replenishment along Hamworthy Park
frontage;
• General concerns regarding the disturbance of breeding, overwintering and
migratory birds using the Harbour by any increase in watercraft numbers. EIA to
consider potential management options should an increased impact be determined;
• General concerns regarding the increased disturbance of sites of conservation
interest (such as proposed Marine Conservation Zone at Studland) outside of the
Harbour that may be impacted with increased watercraft numbers;
• The EIA should make use/reference to the Green Blue project in order to address
potential water quality interests (specifically nutrients);
• Concern regarding the potential increase of cruise vessels using the Harbour
specifically in relation to disturbance of waterbirds and the potential for ship wash
erosion; and
• Concerns regarding any proposed structures such as walkways in areas which
would impact on the natural environment.
Environment Agency
3.4.4 Advice from the Environment Agency was sought via a meeting on the 14 September
2011 in order to highlight overarching general concerns. The Environment Agency’s
concerns can be summarised as follows:
• Sediment management within the Harbour will need to be carefully considered and
the SedMP will need to be revised accordingly;
• Concerns regarding disposal and that consideration will need to be given to the
results of the disposal monitoring programme instigated as part of the Channel
Deepening EIA;
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 34 October 2011
• Sediment contamination in areas to be dredged was a concern and it is considered
necessary that depth sampling should be undertaken, particularly in deep water
berth areas;
• Consideration of the potential for impacts of suspended sediment resulting from the
dredging plume on shellfish waters. It is likely that turbidity monitoring during
dredging will be required in order to protect the beds. Existing analysis and studies
undertaken in order to assess impacts on shellfish beds must be considered;
• Consideration of requirements of the Water Framework Directive must be
undertaken.
• General concerns regarding nutrient levels within the Harbour and macroalgae cover
in Holes Bay, specifically in relation to any changes in hydrodynamic parameters
that could reduce flushing of Holes Bay.
• Consideration of Coastal Defences Strategy in Poole Harbour;
• Consultation with Wessex Water will need to be undertaken in relation to any
sewage discharges that may potentially be impacted by the proposals, specific
mention was made of the Town Quay Combined Sewer Overflow;
• Fisheries issues will need to be considered;
• Any changes to Flood Risk must be considered;
• Highlighted that an indication of timescales be included within any future
consultation; and
• The hydrodynamic assessment should assist in determining sampling programmes
in relation to ecology and sediment assessments.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
3.4.5 Following publication of the draft Master Plan, initial advice was sought from the RSPB
regarding their general concerns via email (dated 13 September 2011). These can be
summarised as follows:
• Disturbance to birds (during the construction and operational phases);
• Changes to the hydrodynamics within the Harbour (as a result of construction and
dredging) which may increase the risk of erosion to RSPB Arne Nature Reserve and
lead to the loss of feeding areas and high tide roosts within the SPA; and
• Pollution issues.
3.5 HRA Requirements
3.5.1 The Habitats Directive protects habitats and species of European nature conservation
importance together with Council Directive (2009/147/EC) on The Conservation of Wild
Birds (the ‘Birds Directive’). The Habitats Directive establishes a network of
internationally important sites designated for their ecological status. Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs) and Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) are designated under
the Habitats Directive and promote the protection of flora, fauna and habitats. Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the Birds Directive in order to protect
rare, vulnerable and migratory birds. These sites combine to create a Europe-wide
‘Natura 2000’ network of designated sites, which are hereafter referred to as ‘European
sites’.
3.5.2 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 incorporate all SPAs into
the definition of ‘European sites’ and, consequently, the protections afforded to
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 35 October 2011
European sites under the Habitats Directive apply to SPAs designated under the Birds
Directive.
3.5.3 In addition to sites designated under European nature conservation legislation, UK
Government policy (Ref.10) states that internationally important wetlands designated
under the Ramsar Convention 1971 (Ramsar sites) are afforded the same protection as
SACs and SPAs for the purpose of considering development proposals that may affect
them.
3.5.4 The proposed Master Plan although not directly sited within any designated European
Sites, is located in close proximity to marine areas recognised for their nature
conservation importance in relation to waterbirds by the following international and
national designations:
• Poole Harbour Ramsar site – designated under The Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention or
Wetlands Convention); and
• Poole Harbour Special Protection Areas (SPA) – designated under the European
Community Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds
Directive).
3.5.5 The boundary of the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar site is presented in Figure 3.1
and is located close to the proposed development area. Poole Harbour SPA includes
both marine areas and land which is not subject to tidal influence. The marine part of the
SPA, the inter-tidal zone, between mean low water and highest astronomical tide, is
termed the European Marine Site (EMS).
3.5.6 Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulations defines the procedure for the assessment of
the implications of plans or projects on European sites. Under this Regulation, if a
proposed development is unconnected with site management (i.e. of the SPA) and is
likely to significantly affect a designated site, the statutory regulator of the proposed
development (e.g. the MMO in relation to the Marine Licence) must undertake an
‘appropriate assessment’ (Regulation 61(1)).
3.5.7 Given the location, nature and scale of the proposed harbour works under the Master
Plan, particularly in relation to the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar site, Natural England
has informally advised PHC (meeting dated 14 March 2011) that the proposed
development will need to comply with the measures set out in Council Directive
(92/43/EC) on The Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna (herein
referred to as the ‘Habitats Directive’). Further information is provided in Chapter 6.
�
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4 ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 This section scopes the potential impacts of the proposed harbour works on a range of
environmental parameters.
4.1.2 For each environmental parameter, the existing environmental baseline conditions are
described, followed by an identification of potentially significant environmental effects.
Where an effect is considered to be potentially significant, an additional section is
included. This section describes work that will need to be undertaken during the
subsequent stages of the EIA process to ensure that a sufficiently detailed ES is
produced.
Study Area
4.1.3 The study area is defined as the area over which the potential direct and indirect
impacts of the proposed development under the Master Plan are predicted to be
detectable offshore and onshore.
Offshore Study Area
4.1.4 Direct impacts offshore are defined as physical effects in the marine environment (i.e.
beyond MHWS) arising from the development. Therefore, the study area for direct
impacts includes the footprints and immediate vicinities of the harbour works and capital
dredging areas in Poole Harbour and offshore disposal of dredged material in Poole
Bay.
4.1.5 Indirect impacts offshore may arise as a consequence of the development’s effect on,
for example, hydrodynamic and sediment transport processes (e.g. erosion and
accretion of inter-tidal sediments), noise disturbance (e.g. to birds using the foreshore)
or changes to the seascape (e.g. presence of new infrastructure in the water).
Therefore, the study area for indirect impacts extends beyond the study area for direct
impacts and, for the purposes of this Screening and Scoping Study, is taken to include
all of Poole Harbour and Poole Bay. By taking this approach, the offshore study area
encompasses the area covered by the existing numerical model of Poole Harbour and
Poole Bay (HR Wallingford; see Plate 4.1) and the areas covered by a number of
management plans including:
• Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan (Ref.11);
• Poole Harbour Sediment Management Plan (Ref.2); and
• Poole and Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan 2 (Ref.12).
4.1.6 The coverage of the regional and local models is shown on Plate 4.1. It can be seen
from the figure that the numerical modelling included complete coverage of Poole Bay
and Poole Harbour.
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 38 October 2011
Plate 4.1 Area covered by numerical modelling which defines the extent of the study
area for the EIA (source: HR Wallingford)
Onshore Study Area
4.1.7 Direct impacts onshore are defined as physical effects in the terrestrial environment (i.e.
above MLWS) arising from the development. Therefore, the study area for direct
impacts includes the footprints and immediate vicinities of the harbour works within the
existing land holding at the Port of Poole.
4.1.8 Indirect impacts onshore may arise as a consequence of the development’s effect on,
for example, road transportation (e.g. traffic on the local highway network), noise
disturbance (e.g. to local residents) or changes to the landscape (e.g. presence of new
infrastructure on land). Therefore, the study area for indirect impacts extends beyond
the study area for direct impacts and, for the purposes of this Screening and Scoping
Study, is taken to include the properties neighbouring the Port of Poole, the main road
corridors providing access to the port (e.g. B3068 and A350) and the settlements around
Poole Harbour with views of the port (e.g. Hamworthy and Poole).
4.2 Coastal Processes
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.2.1 Poole Harbour is a bar-built estuary of nearly 4,000 ha which was formed along with
Poole Bay around 7000 years ago, when the rising sea broke through the chalk ridge
which had connected Old Harry Rocks in Studland Bay with the Needles in the Isle of
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Wight.
4.2.2 The Harbour consists of a main basin containing several small islands and two
subsidiary basins, Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay. It is dominated by inter-tidal sedimentary
flats and shallow sub-tidal shoals. Muddy shores are most prevalent within the relatively
wave-sheltered south-western quadrant of the main basin, and the recesses of Holes
Bay and Lytchett Bay, where the upper levels of muddy shores are typically colonised by
saltmarsh.
Hydrodynamic Regime
4.2.3 The tides in Poole Harbour have a range of approximately 1.7m on mean spring tides
and 0.6m on mean neap tides (Ref.12). The highest astronomical tide is 2.6m above CD
and the lowest astronomical tide is at the level of CD (Ref. 12). The complex tidal
constituents in Poole Bay result in a double high water during spring tides within Poole
Harbour and a very variable tidal shape at tides with smaller range. This means that the
water is often above mean tide level in the harbour for 16 out of 24 hours resulting in the
lagoon-like nature of the harbour. In addition the nature of the tidal regime has
implications during tidal flood events as the floodwaters can stay high for long periods.
That is, the relatively long period of high water is more likely to coincide with a surge
events. High water levels in the sea also impede the draining of landside flood events
(Ref.12)
4.2.4 The wave environment in Poole Bay is limited by the very little offshore wave action
which is able to propagate into the Harbour. Over most of the harbour area waves are
locally generated by wind with relatively small wave height and short period. This
results in low wave energies within the Harbour, with the exception of the southern
shoreline of Brownsea Island and the Harbour entrance itself which are exposed to the
influence of some direct offshore wave energy. At Brownsea, sea defence structures
were installed 30-40 years ago (Ref. 12).
Sediment Transport
4.2.5 Poole Harbour overlies soft, readily erodible tertiary strata, the Bagshot Beds; these
poorly consolidated sands, gravels and clays are exposed within cliffs at various
localities around the harbour. Hard bedrock is scarce, except for localised exposures of
ironstone within the outer Harbour.
4.2.6 Generally, the Harbour bed comprises sandy material outside of the Harbour entrance
and in the eastern part of the Middle Ship Channel. Further into the Harbour towards the
port, the bed sediments contain an increasing proportion of fine sediment. In the area
around the port and in Little Channel, the sediments are dominated by fine grained
material.
4.2.7 Supply of sediment in the Harbour is from a number of sources including; offshore, cliff
erosion, saltmarsh erosion, beach erosion, channel erosion and river flows. Sediments
(primarily gravel and sand) are transported in and out of the harbour entrance through
tidal processes (Ref. 12). There are limited supplies of fine silty material into Poole
Harbour and therefore the main process of fine sediment transport within the harbour is
the combined actions of waves, rainfall and the tides redistributing the material. Some of
this fine material naturally leaves the harbour as a result of an ebb dominant sediment
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regime at the Harbour entrance and some as a result of offshore disposal of material
from maintenance dredging (Ref.2). It is believed that over the long term the Harbour is
losing fine sediment at an average rate of between 56,000 and 76,000m3/year (Ref.2).
Sediment Management
4.2.8 Maintenance dredging is carried out routinely by PHC to maintain depths in existing
shipping channels and also by third party dredging operators, boatyards, marinas and
yacht clubs, to maintain access to their sites. Four main types of maintenance dredging
are undertaken in Poole Harbour:
• dredging in the main Approach Channel and the Turning Basin;
• independent dredging by small-scale operators;
• small-scale dredging undertaken by PHC; and
• dredging within Holes Bay.
4.2.9 Regular maintenance dredging occurs in the main channel and port areas. The last
capital dredging took place between November 2005 and March 2006. The work
involved dredging of approximately 2.12 million cubic metres of material to deepen the
channels to a navigation depth of 7.5m below CD, and widen the Middle Ship Channel
to 100m (Ref.13). Much of the material arising from these works was sandy and this
material was used for nourishment of the beaches at Bournemouth, Poole and
Swanage. The remainder was placed at the licensed offshore disposal site.
4.2.10 The majority of the dredging with mechanical plant yields silty material. However, some
locations, particularly those closest to the Harbour mouth, generate sandy material.
Studies during the Poole Harbour Channel Deepening EIA indicated that the losses of
silty sediment within Poole Harbour would be enhanced (by 9%) by the channel
deepening over the long term (Ref.13).
4.2.11 Conditions of the licence required for the capital dredge included the requirement to
carry out monitoring and reporting, and the implementation of the SedMP (Ref.2). The
primary aims of the SedMP are to mitigate the predicted impact of the Poole Harbour
Approach Channel Deepening and to put in place an approach to the management of
sediment in Poole Harbour. Increased retention of fine material within the Harbour is
therefore an important issue. PHC’s proposals for the sediment management under the
SedMP are summarised below.
Main maintenance dredging and dredging in the Turning Basin
4.2.12 The SedMP included for opening a new disposal site for maintenance dredged material
off Brownsea Island. Fine material placed here can disperse within the harbour
although a proportion of it will be transported out through the harbour entrance. Trials of
this methodology have been undertaken since 2006. Dredged sand will continue to be
used beneficially on beaches within Poole Bay, and silty material will be placed offshore
at the licensed disposal site. It is expected that the total mass of silty material placed
offshore will be reduced compared to present levels and as techniques improve to
decrease the silt content during dredging, more material could be retained for use in
beach nourishment schemes in the future.
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Dredging by small operators
4.2.13 The small operators in Poole Harbour that require routine maintenance dredging will be
actively encouraged to consider the practicality of agitation methods for removal of this
material and that methods will be site dependent. Any significant build up of material that
occurs in the navigation channels is removed by PHC’s dredger and deposited in
naturally scouring areas of the Harbour
PHC dredging
4.2.14 PHC undertake small-scale maintenance dredging of some of the marinas, boatyards
and navigation channels within Poole Harbour on a contract basis. It is proposed that,
where practical, agitation methods will be employed to redistribute fine sediment within
the Harbour. However, in some locations this will not be possible. As described above
dredged material has been placed in locations within the Harbour rather than being
deposited offshore. For all locations prediction of the predicted dispersion of material
has been carried out and is detailed in the SedMP (Ref. 2).
Maintenance dredging within Holes Bay
4.2.15 Presently about 9,000m3 per year of maintenance dredging is undertaken within Holes
Bay (Ref. 2) and there is no strong evidence to suggest that the removal of muddy
material in the Bay has an impact on the sediment budget or regime of Poole Harbour.
PHC promote options for the retention of material arising from maintenance dredging
within Holes Bay, within the Bay itself.
4.2.16 Overall, the required target for sediment retention, in order to offset the predicted year-
on-year loss of inter-tidal area attributed to the proposed channel deepening, is to
achieve about 15% efficiency in terms of the retention of maintenance dredged silts
within the inter-tidal areas of the Harbour. The predictions indicate that placement in the
vicinity of Brownsea Island leads to a return of in excess of 30% of the material dredged
to the inter-tidal areas of the Harbour. With the volumes of material involved and the
year to year variability in inter-tidal processes in the Harbour, it is not practical, in the
short term, to determine whether this is actually occurring. Therefore, as outlined in the
SedMP, practical methods exist for retaining at least the target figure within the inter-
tidal areas of Poole Harbour through a programme of sediment management. Moreover,
greater volumes of fine sediment retention are likely to be achievable to increase the
benefit of the methodology without further adverse effects.
Receptors Likely to be affected by Development
4.2.17 The effects on the sedimentary and hydrodynamic regime are described in relation to
potential changes in the processes, rather than defining an impact. This is because the
significance in a change to processes of this kind have no intrinsic values (i.e. are not
considered to be a resource sensitive to change). The consequences and significance
of this change can be assessed with respect to those environmental resources which
are influenced by such a process. These are discussed in the relevant sections, i.e. on
marine water quality and marine ecology for example.
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Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.2.18 In general, the effects of the proposed development on the hydrodynamic and
sedimentary regime arise on completion of the development. However, there are also
potential effects that could occur during the construction phase but it should be noted
that these are generally short term and localised in nature.
4.2.19 One particular aspect of the development is the potential for the capital dredging
required for the marina and alongside the proposed cruise terminal and deepwater
berths. Dredging at these locations would release a small proportion of the overall
volume dredged as fine sediments into the water column which would eventually be
dispersed before depositing either temporarily or permanently on the sea bed.
4.2.20 It is proposed that the dredged material from the capital dredge will be re-used where
possible during the construction works, for example as infill behind the proposed quay
walls. Where material is deemed to be unsuitable for re-use, the material will be
transported to the licensed disposal site in Poole Bay. Since the offshore disposal is
likely to be within the scale of the impacts recently assessed during the Approach
Channel Deepening (Ref.13) i.e. the material has similar properties, is likely to be
significantly less in terms of volume and the timescale involved, additional impacts are
not anticipated.
4.2.21 Depending on the construction methodology used, there may be stages during the
construction sequence in which the partially completed development causes local
hydrodynamic impacts. The potential for this will therefore be considered.
4.2.22 During the construction phase, the following impacts may arise:
• Release and fate of fine sediment during construction activities - this has the
potential to increase suspended sediment concentration and deposit material on
sensitive receptors such as inter-tidal areas or shell fish beds.
4.2.23 During the operational phase, the following impacts may arise:
• Change to tidal propagation/range within the Harbour particularly into Holes Bay.
• Change to tidal current speeds with implications for navigation around Poole Town
Quay.
• Redistribution of wave energy with some areas of increased and decreased wave
energy
• Potential for localised erosion and accretion of inter-tidal areas due to changes in
flow/waves.
• Potential for siltation within any enclosed water bodies leading to increased
maintenance dredging requirements and reduction in supply of fines to other
locations.
• Reduced flushing within enclosed water bodies.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.2.24 A description of the potential effects of the proposed development during its construction
and operational phases on the hydraulic and sedimentary regime is a fundamental part
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of the EIA process. This is because a wide range of other potential impacts such as
impacts on water quality and marine ecology may arise as a consequence of any
changes to these parameters.
4.2.25 In order to undertake EIA, a full review and collation of existing data for the area will be
undertaken. There is a large amount of information available from previous EIA studies
such as those undertaken in order to inform the proposals for the Channel Deepening
(Ref.13) which assessed the potential impacts of dredging the turning basin located
close to the area proposed for development.
4.2.26 An important component of the assessment will be undertaking of numerical modelling
studies to build on the data collection and numerical modelling already undertaken for
previous projects (Poole Quay Boat Haven and Poole Harbour Approach Channel
Deepening). Any additional baseline information will also be used to improve model
accuracy, such as the information collected as part of the Twin Sail Bridge study
(Ref.14).
4.2.27 The following physical processes will be considered:
• Flow modelling using the existing Telemac-2D model over spring-neap tidal cycles.
The existing model will be refined around the area of interest and into Holes Bay;
• Wave modelling using SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) is proposed should
initial studies indicate impacts on nearshore waves within the local area.
• Sediment transport modelling to consider the potential movement of sand and mud
and any resulting impacts on the inter-tidal area and on infill in areas currently
subject to maintenance dredging.
• Modelling of the tidal exchange (flushing) is of particular relevance to these harbour
works as the ability of semi-enclosed waters created as part of the development to
naturally flush will be an important water quality issue.
• Sediment dispersion modelling in order to assess the potential impact of fine
suspended solids released by dredging.
4.2.28 The baseline once established will be discussed with the regulators and relevant
statutory bodies to ensure agreement on the current situation is reached. The models
will then be used to simulate the conditions during the phases of the development and
the results compared to baseline conditions. This will be undertaken for a variety of
scenarios to establish a thorough understanding of the effects of the development on the
physical processes of the area. This information will then be used to inform potential
impacts on parameters such as marine ecology, water quality and sediment quality for
example.
4.2.29 As discussed above, offshore disposal of any material is assumed to be within the scale
of the impact recently assessed and exhibited during the Approach Channel Deepening
(Pers comm. 2011 HR Wallingford). Information in relation to the Approach Channel
Deepening EIA will therefore be considered and post disposal monitoring results
discussed in order to assess the potential impact for disposal of sediments required
under the Master Plan. The requirement for further hydrodynamic modelling at the
disposal site is not anticipated.
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4.3 Water and Sediment Quality
Baseline Environment and Receptors
Water Quality
4.3.1 The environmental quality of the Poole Harbour estuary is generally thought to be good,
but it is also considered to be very vulnerable to pollution. Specifically, there is
continuing concern over the high levels of nitrates in Poole Harbour (Ref.15). As a
result the area has been designated as a Sensitive Area (Eutrophic) under the Waste
Water Treatment Directive and a Polluted Water (Eutrophic) under the Nitrates Directive
(Ref.14).
4.3.2 A network of Sewage Treatment Works (STWs) serves the communities of Poole,
Lytchett Minster, and Wareham. These sites have all provided at least secondary
treatment for many years. Apart from Swanage, where treated water from the Sewage
Treatment Works discharges to the sea, all the STWs in Purbeck discharge into rivers
which enter the Harbour or into the Harbour itself.
4.3.3 Four rivers, the Frome, the Piddle (also known as the Trent), the Corfe and the Sherford,
drain into Poole Harbour from the west. The Frome and the Piddle Rivers flow into the
Wareham Channel, the Sherford River flows into Lytchett Bay and the Corfe River flows
into Wych Lake. Of the annual dissolved available inorganic nitrogen loads into the
Harbour from freshwater inputs and direct discharges, the majority comes from the
Frome, Piddle, Sherford and Corfe Rivers, with less than a quarter coming from the
STWs (Ref.15).
4.3.4 Monitoring of rivers is carried out by the Environment Agency. Where the Sherford,
Piddle and Corfe enter Poole Harbour, results for 2009 indicate good to very good for
biological standards, and moderate to high nutrient levels (Ref.16).
4.3.5 One of the most significant sources of diffuse pollution in Poole Harbour results from
nutrient run-off from the agricultural land which surrounds the Harbour. Most of the
nitrogen inputs from the Frome and Piddle are due to agricultural sources with only
some 6% of the discharges from the Frome and 2% from the Piddle due to point sources
(Ref.15).
4.3.6 One of the consequences of the high nutrient levels in the Harbour is the proliferation of
opportunistic green seaweeds (macro-algae), which form mats over the substrates in the
inter-tidal zones of the Harbour. The presence of algal mats in the Harbour is an
indication of high nutrient levels, as it has been found that nutrient concentrations are
the main factor in driving algal mat biomass where sufficient light is available (Ref.11).
4.3.7 Pollution as a result of recreational activities may not have the potential to be as great
as from other sources but the number of recreational users in the Harbour mean that
cumulative effects may be significant (Ref.11). Sources include antifouling paints,
discharge of untreated sewage from marine toilets and marine litter.
Bathing Waters
4.3.8 The quality of bathing waters in England and Wales is monitored against standards laid
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down in the Bathing Water Regulations 1991, which give effect to the EC Bathing
Waters Directive (76/160/EEC). Compliance with the Directive is monitored against
microbiological standards. Bathing waters are monitored by the Environment Agency,
and within Poole Harbour both monitoring points (Poole Harbour Lake and Rockley
Sands) have been classified as “excellent” over recent years (Ref.16). Bathing waters
classified as “excellent” or “good” comply with the mandatory water quality criteria of the
Directive and, in the case of an “excellent” classification, the more stringent guideline
criteria.
Shellfish Waters
4.3.9 Shellfish waters are monitored for various parameters based on water quality standards
established by the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). Bivalve production areas
are classified according to the level of treatment they require prior to their sale from A to
C grade, where grade A sites require no pre-treatment and grade C sites require
intensive purification. Of the five designated shellfish waters in Poole Harbour, the
majority were classified as Class B in 2010 (the exception being the Manila clam bed in
the Wareham Channel West), in which shellfish must undergo moderate purification by
relaying in cleaner water for varying lengths of time before marketing (Ref.17).
Sediment Quality
4.3.10 As one of the major estuaries in the region, Poole Harbour has a diverse history of
industrial and recreational activities, many of which have influenced the sediment quality
in the area. Industrial impacts are the dominating factor and discharges and activities
associated with industrial activities in the twentieth century have contributed to
significant contamination of the sediments in the harbour (Ref.18). Contaminant sources
have included antifouling paints, discharge from an Atomic Energy Establishment,
emissions from railway lines and chemical industry works, and sewage treatment works
(Ref.18).
4.3.11 On the north shore of Poole Harbour toxic discharges of industrial waste have left much
of Holes Bay contaminated with heavy metals, which have accumulated in the bed
sediment. These metals can then accumulate in the organisms that live within the
sediment and may be passed up the food chain, a process known as bioaccumulation.
Many different metals have been identified, but those of particular concern are cadmium,
mercury, copper and zinc (Ref.18).
4.3.12 A study by Huber (Ref.18) investigated metal distribution within the Poole Harbour
estuary and concluded that contamination redistribution throughout the Harbour is not
uniform. In the Southern Bights comparably low concentrations and the low mobility of
the elements results in a low potential for contamination. In Wareham Channel the total
concentrations are higher, but mobility of sediment is comparably low, resulting in a
slightly higher risk potential. In Holes Bay, especially in the topmost part of the sediment,
both the concentrations and sediment mobility are high and therefore subsequently the
risk of contamination is much greater. Sediments were tested at one location on the
west side of the proposed development, and metal concentrations were lower than
those identified in Holes Bay.
4.3.13 Gifford and Partners Ltd (Ref.14) extracted core samples in Holes Bay during the EIA for
a second bridge across the Backwater Channel and concluded that dredging would not
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pose a risk to marine water quality. However, Huber (Ref.18) reports that other studies
suggest that metals and metalloids could be remobilised when the sediment is
disturbed.
4.3.14 There is some sediment quality information available which was collected as part of the
EIA for the Channel Deepening (Ref.13). Vibrocore sampling was undertaken in and
around the proposed dredging area and some samples were collected around the Port
of Poole and are therefore relevant to this work (see Plate 4.2). The type of sediment
present in the areas likely to be disturbed or dredged is particularly important as
sediments containing high proportions of silt are at risk of containing higher
concentrations of contaminants.
4.3.15 In summary, sediments around the port in the turning basin exhibited variable
components of sand, silt and gravel depending on the location of the sample with silty
sediments tending to be located in southern part of the tidal basin. The majority of the
Little Channel comprised of varying layers of sand and silt with silty sediments tending to
be located to the eastern side of the Channel. It would therefore appear that sandier
sediments are located in the near vicinity of the port.
4.3.16 In terms of contamination, analysis both at surface and depth indicated generally low
levels of contamination in both Little Channel and the Turning Basin (Ref.13). This is
supported by information collected in relation to licences granted by Cefas for dredging
within the Harbour.
Plate 4.2 Sediment Quality Sampling Locations for the Approach Channel Deepening
EIA
Receptors likely to be affected by development
4.3.17 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Marine water quality (including designated bathing waters/shellfish waters).
• Areas where sediment may be deposited.
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Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.3.18 During construction, any disturbance of sediments either through working in the marine
environment or via dredging could potentially give rise to impacts on water quality both
in terms of increased concentrations of suspended solids within the water column and
increased concentrations of contaminants associated with the disturbed sediment.
Should significant deposition be identified during the hydrodynamic modelling then
impacts on receiving sediments will also need to be considered.
4.3.19 Impacts on concentrations of suspended solids associated with the dredging will largely
be informed by sediment plume modelling undertaken in order to assess the potential
impacts on hydrodynamic parameters.
4.3.20 In terms of sediment contaminants, contamination is widespread in Poole Harbour,
although as detailed above, some areas are more heavily contaminated than others.
Information is available for sediment quality within the Turning Basin and Little Channel
as a result of the EIA undertaken to inform the Channel Deepening Studies.
4.3.21 The potential for accidental spillage and pollution incidents during the construction
phase is also a risk and must be addressed within the EIA.
4.3.22 During operation, impacts on water quality are more likely to relate to any dredging that
is required in order to maintain the berths and marina. Current proposals for
maintenance dredging are not yet available but will be assessed and addressed as part
of the EIA. As discussed in Section 4.2, there is also the potential for water quality
impacts associated with enclosed waters not being able to self flush as a result of the
harbour works. This part of the assessment will largely be based on the results of the
modelling detailed in Section 4.2. Within this assessment, impacts on any existing
sewage discharges which discharge to areas currently not enclosed would need to be
considered.
4.3.23 Natural England have advised that extensive algal mats covering large areas of the
harbour have resulted in the SSSI being assessed as being in unfavourable condition.
These are considered to have arisen as a result of nutrient inputs. As a consequence, a
reduction in nutrients is desirable in order to return the SSSI to favourable condition.
4.3.24 Due to the sensitivity of Poole Harbour to nutrients, any potential impacts associated
with sewage disposal from the marina and boats using the area will be considered. It is
a requirement of local byelaw that the emptying of marine toilets and holding tanks
should not be discharged within the Harbour and it is a requirement of the Aquatic
Management Plan (Ref.11) that marinas and boat yard operators provide facilities for
sewage disposal. The EIA will have to assess any potential nutrient inputs to the
harbour resulting from the proposed Master Plan, however due to the above
requirement, harbour works of this nature tend to have little, if any, adverse impact on
water quality.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.3.25 Depending on the final location of the marina, there may be the requirement to gather
further sediment information via sampling as data collected as part of the Channel
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Deepening EIA does not cover the entire area in which sediment disturbance could or
will occur.
4.3.26 Consequently, it is proposed that sediment sampling both at the surface and at depth is
undertaken and sample locations will cover all elements of the proposed Master Plan
that require dredging or could lead to sediment disturbance. These sites will be
discussed and agreed with the regulators.
4.3.27 Should the initial findings of the hydrodynamic modelling demonstrate the potential for
significant deposition from the dredging, the assessment of surface sediment quality at
receptor sites will also be undertaken. Again there is information available in the
Channel Deepening EIA at a variety of potential receptor sites and these will be
reviewed as the project progresses. Should further sites require characterisation then
these will be added to the sampling programme as appropriate.
4.3.28 It is proposed that the sediment samples will be analysed for the following parameters:
• Organic matter content;
• Particle size distribution
• Metals;
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (ICES7);
• Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons;
• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons;
• Tributyl Tin and Dibutyl Tin;
• Organochlorine Pesticides;
• Sulphide;
• Ammonia;
• Bacteria (faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci – in relation to bathing waters);
and
• Algal cysts (in relation to shellfish hygiene).
4.3.29 The data will then be compared against two separate sets of standards that are
available to inform the impact assessment:
• Cefas Guideline Action Levels for the disposal of dredged material - these are used
as part of a ‘weight of evidence’ approach to assessing material suitability for
disposal at sea, but are not themselves statutory standards (Ref.19).
• Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life– these
standards were developed for evaluating the potential for adverse biological effects
in aquatic systems (Ref. 20).
4.3.30 Consideration of the results in relation to potential impacts on shellfish and bathing
waters will also be undertaken.
4.3.31 In addition to the sediment quality information, statutory monitoring data collected by the
EA will be used to update water quality information already available in previous studies.
The potential impacts of the development both during the construction and operational
phase will then be assessed in relation to the existing background environment and the
potential for exceeding Environmental Quality Standards (EQS). The numerical flow
modelling that will be undertaken to assess the hydrodynamic parameters will be used
to form this assessment in addition to the results of the marine sediment quality survey.
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4.3.32 There will also be the need to ensure that the proposed Master Plan complies with the
requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Unlike the EU Birds and
Habitats Directives, which apply only to designated sites, the WFD applies to all water
bodies including those that are man-made. The consideration of the proposed Master
Plan under the WFD will, therefore, apply not only to the immediate vicinity of the port
but also to other waterbodies that have the potential to be impacted by the proposed
Master Plan.
4.3.33 It is likely that a WFD assessment would be necessary to inform the EIA and clarification
will be sought from the MMO, who in turn will consult the Environment Agency on this
matter.
4.4 Marine Ecology
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.4.1 Poole Harbour is recognised under numerous national and international designations for
its ecological importance. The nature of the Harbour has resulted in a high proportion of
inter-tidal saltmarsh and mudflats, which support rich populations of invertebrate species
and are vital in supporting the wildlife for which the area has been designated.
4.4.2 The extent of the inter-tidal zone in Poole Harbour is difficult to measure as the
boundary between inter-tidal and sub-tidal is constantly changing on a yearly, seasonal
and even daily basis. It is known that saltmarsh areas, previously colonised and
accreted by Spartina anglica have been steadily eroding for some time. Such areas will
therefore have added to the top of inter-tidal zone. However data indicates that the inter-
tidal zone does not seem to be increasing which suggests a loss at the lower edge to
the sub-tidal zone (Ref.15).
Designated Sites
4.4.3 As discussed in Section 4.5 Coastal and Marine Ornithology, the interest features of
Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar site are primarily ornithological in their nature.
However, the marine ecological receptors of the harbour outlined in the following
paragraphs, are vital in terms of supporting these features. Additionally, the Poole
Harbour SSSI citation includes reference to the importance of inter-tidal and sub-tidal
habitats such as mudflats and saltmarsh, as well as noting the presence of several rare
marine invertebrates.
4.4.4 Within Poole Bay, there are currently two proposed Marine Conservation Zones (pMCZ);
Studland and Poole Rocks. MCZs are a new national designation which has been
introduced through the Marine and Coastal Access Act. The wider network of Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs) will therefore be made up of new MCZs as well as other
existing designations such as European Marine Sites (SACs and SPAs) and SSSIs.
Sub-tidal Ecology
4.4.5 Associated with the sub-tidal mudflats of the central Harbour are species-rich
communities dominated by beds of the tube worm Sabella pavonina. While species
diversity is generally low across the whole Harbour it is notable in that it supports
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several rare and restricted marine invertebrates. The sponge Suberites massa which is
rarely recorded in British waters is locally abundant on suitable substrates. The Starlet
Sea Anemone has been recorded in the Blue Lagoon and is a rare species found only in
a few similar lagoonal situations, while the mollusc Aeolidiella sanguinea is only
recorded in within the Harbour and western Ireland (Ref.15).
4.4.6 During the EIA for Channel Deepening (Ref.13), surveys were used to characterise the
benthic infaunal and epifaunal communities of the channel deepening dredge area. Of
relevance to the proposed development at the Port of Poole, the sediment in the Turning
Basin and Little Channel is dominated by the oligochaete worm Tubificoides
pseudogaster and the polychaete Nephtys hombergii. A number of other polychaete
worms characterise the group which are commonly associated with areas containing
high proportions of fine sediment (Ref.13). The communities in this area therefore
appear to be of relatively low value and are dominated by rapidly colonising species,
typical of areas impacted by periodic maintenance dredging.
4.4.7 Poole Harbour and Studland pMCZ both support eelgrass beds (Zostera marina) which
within the harbour, are restricted to two areas in the vicinity of Whitley Lake, although
anecdotal evidence suggests that other areas may have been colonised in the past
(Ref.15).
4.4.8 Z. marina is a grass-like flowering plant with dark green, long, narrow, ribbon shaped
leaves. Leaves shoot from a creeping rhizome that binds the sediment and numerous
flowers occur on a reproductive shoot similar to those of terrestrial grasses. Eelgrass
forms dense swards in the sub-tidal environment, supporting a diverse fauna and flora
as well as being used as nursery areas for spawning and juvenile fish and shellfish.
They also provide a valuable food resource for grazing invertebrates and wildfowl such
as Brent Geese which overwinter in the Harbour.
4.4.9 Eelgrass is also an important habitat for seahorses which have been recorded at several
sites around the Harbour. Both species of seahorse found in the UK, (spiny seahorse
Hippocampus guttulatus and the short snouted seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus)
are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981. Evidence also suggests that
the populations are stable and possibly breeding (Ref.15). The pMCZ at Studland is
also specifically recognised for the presence of short snouted seahorses.
4.4.10 Eel grass beds are fragile and are susceptible to environmental change. Within Poole
Harbour the main threat is from physical disturbance, with potential damage occurring
from anchoring by vessels, wash from vessels travelling at high speeds and by shellfish
fishermen dredging. The Aquatic Management Plan for Poole Harbour (Ref. 11)
employs a zoning method to manage recreational activities and reduce disturbance to
environmentally sensitive areas within the harbour.
4.4.11 Anchorage Sensitive Zones have been put in place where the eelgrass beds are
present, and although there is a public right of navigation in these areas, initiatives and
education raise the awareness of the environmental importance of the habitats and aid
in their long term protection. A leaflet highlighting the existence and importance of the
beds within the Harbour has recently been published in 2009 (Ref.21), encouraging
Harbour users to help protect the beds by adhering to the following guidelines such as
reducing pressures from anchoring, dredging and high speed vessels. Similar
pressures are also of concern within Poole Bay.
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4.4.12 Post-dredging monitoring studies of the eelgrass beds were undertaken in Poole
Harbour in 2006-7 as part of the work to inform the EIA for the Channel Deepening
(Ref.22). There was concern that the increased sedimentation and deposition caused
by the capital dredge would adversely affect the beds, however the study concluded that
no significant changes post-dredging were detected in the seagrass areas.
4.4.13 The two existing areas of seagrass within the harbour are located over 3km from the
proposed development. Although evidence exists for the presence of other beds in the
past (Ref.15) and there are records of detached Zostera in much closer proximity to the
port (Ref. 13).
Inter-tidal Ecology
4.4.14 Over 65% of Poole Harbour is inter-tidal habitat, mostly comprised of mudflats and
saltmarsh (Ref.15). Most marine invertebrate species are of widespread distribution but,
especially in the case of the sheltered inter-tidal bays, are often in very large numbers
(Ref.23). As a result, these areas provide a valuable food source for the abundant
waders and wildfowl and are therefore important in that they support the interest
features of the various nature conservation designations within the Harbour.
4.4.15 High nutrient levels in the Harbour as a result of pollution (see Section 4.3), can result
in the proliferation of opportunistic green seaweeds (macro-algae) which form mats over
the substrates in the inter-tidal zones of the Harbour (Ref.15). These can produce
anoxic conditions which can affect the benthic invertebrate communities.
4.4.16 Saltmarsh currently covers around 300ha within the Harbour, providing important
nesting habitats for many species of bird. The extent of this habitat has been in decline
for several years, although this trend is not unique to Poole Harbour. The retreat has
been linked to sea level rise where excessive inundation of the marsh and loss of the
habitat may be further exacerbated by invasion of other species from the land. Rates of
natural decline may also be accelerated by increased wash from passing vessels,
eroding the substrate. In addition there is also evidence that Sika deer are causing
considerable damage through over grazing and trampling which can have a severe
detrimental effect on the marsh habitat and the other fauna and flora it supports
(Ref.15).
4.4.17 Monitoring of the saltmarsh in Poole Harbour was undertaken in 2005 and areas of
saltmarsh are shown in Plate 4.3 (Ref.24). Areas where loss of saltmarsh are most
evident are within Holes Bay, Brands Bay and Shores Road. The losses identified in the
study are relatively small (approximately 2.3ha between 2001 and 2006) and in areas
where there has been a long term decline in the Spartina marsh, particularly Brand’s
Bay and Holes Bay.
4.4.18 With regards to the inter-tidal areas adjacent to the proposed development, it is unlikely
that the habitats support significant numbers of invertebrates as the majority of the sites
which feature high species numbers, abundance and biomass in relation to inter-tidal
species are around Brownsea Island, Holes Bay, Wareham Channel and Lytchett Bay
(Ref.13). No areas of saltmarsh are present in the immediate vicinity due to the built up
nature of this part of the Harbour.
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Plate 4.3 Saltmarsh coverage in 2005 (Ref.24 )
Marine Mammals
4.4.19 The coastal waters of Dorset are uniformly shallow and are favoured primarily by
cetacean species that are frequently associated with relatively shallow continental seas.
Cetacean species diversity and abundance in this region is low (Ref.25). However, the
majority of sightings in nearshore waters are of the bottlenose dolphin and the
remainder of sightings comprising the long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas,
harbour porpoise and common dolphin Delphinus delphis (Ref. 13).
4.4.20 Grey Seals are occasionally observed in the Harbour; however sightings of both
cetaceans and seals are infrequent. Sightings recorded through the Seawatch
Foundation website show no recent sightings of cetaceans or pinnipeds in Poole
Harbour.
4.4.21 Otters were once a common sight in the Harbour, however sightings now are rare due to
pressures including pollution, loss of habitat and increased boat traffic. Although there is
some evidence to suggest that numbers are increasing (Ref.13), it is considered unlikely
that otters would be present in the area around the proposed development, being more
likely to occur in the quieter less developed parts of the Harbour. Otters are protected
under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
4.4.22 The Basking Shark is a seasonal visitor to British waters and is protected under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act as well as
being listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species. Some marine areas attract more sharks than others, such as the Lands End
and Lizard Peninsula's. Basking Sharks are present on the south coast, however no
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sightings were recorded in, or near Poole Harbour in 2010 (Ref.26) and it is unlikely that
they are regular visitors to this area.
4.4.23 All cetaceans in the UK are protected under a variety of national and international
designations, and strict regulations exist in regards to disturbing these mammals.
Receptors likely to be affected by development
4.4.24 The following receptors could be directly affected by the proposed development:
• Sub-tidal habitats in the direct footprint of additional structures, and in areas
where dredging is proposed;
• Habitats on existing structures that may be removed as part of the Master Plan
improvements;
• Inter-tidal areas where hydrodynamic modelling indicates impacts; and
• Marine mammals.
4.4.25 Indirect effects due to disturbance associated with potential increases in vessel
movements (noise, vessel wash and anchoring) and recreational activities as a result of
the development could impact the following receptors:
• Marine mammals, specifically otter;
• Eelgrass beds (both within the Harbour and Studland Bay pMCZ for example);
and
• Saltmarsh.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.4.26 Direct impacts on the marine ecological resource relate to the loss of habitat as a result
of the proposed development. However inter-tidal communities are not considered to be
of a high value in this area and the sub-tidal communities are not expected to be
sensitive to the localised and short term impacts.
4.4.27 Indirect impacts on the marine ecological resource may arise if the Harbour
improvements were to significantly increase vessel numbers (both cruise ships and
watercraft) which could lead to further disturbance within and outside of the Harbour.
Receptors susceptible to increases in disturbance include sub-tidal (such as eelgrass
beds) and inter-tidal habitats (such as saltmarsh). If otters are present in the quieter
areas of the Harbour or in Poole Bay, they would also be susceptible to increased
disturbance.
4.4.28 Further indirect effects may arise as a result of both capital and maintenance dredging
and disposal which could include the potential for smothering and impacts on water
quality as a result of an increase in suspended solid and contaminant concentrations.
Permanent changes to the hydrodynamics of the area may also over time, cause
changes to habitats. For example, changes in the rate of erosion or accretion of the
inter-tidal area can ultimately result in an impact on the community structure of inter-tidal
areas.
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Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.4.29 To assist in determining the potential impacts associated with direct loss of habitat, it is
proposed that a survey of the infaunal communities will be undertaken in the footprint of
each of the elements of the development that either will give rise to a direct loss or that
will require sediment removal. Additionally, discussions with Natural England have
highlighted a requirement to assess the sub-tidal habitat of the wall of the breakwater
encircling the Poole Yacht Club to assess its contribution to nature conservation. A
literature review will also be undertaken to update the information already available from
other studies.
4.4.30 The assessment of the potential indirect impacts on marine ecology will draw on the
findings of the hydrodynamic and sedimentary studies and the conclusions from the
impacts on water and sediment quality assessments. Specifically, concerns have been
raised by Natural England regarding indirect losses to inter-tidal habitats within the SPA,
particularly the area fronting the eastern end of Hamworthy Park.
4.4.31 It is therefore proposed that the results from the hydrodynamic assessment are used to
determine potential areas at risk. Should the area be potentially important to say
feeding water birds for example, then sampling to determine the communities within the
inter-tidal sediment may be required in order to assist in assessing its value as a food
resource. Potential impacts on saltmarsh and eel grass will also be informed by the
hydrodynamic assessment however work undertaken to inform the Channel Deepening
EIA (Ref.13) and additional modelling at the disposal site in relation to the potential for
further disturbance to the maerl beds.
4.4.32 There is, however, the potential for indirect effects associated with increased vessel
movements within and outside of the Harbour. Initial indications from PHC however do
not anticipate a significant increase in vessel numbers as potentially up to 50% of
vessels using the marina will be displaced vessels from other sites within the Harbour
(see Section 2.1). The increase in vessel numbers will be further considered as part of
the EIA process and compared to the data already gathered as part work undertaken in
2010 regarding use of the harbour and Poole Bay by watercraft.
4.4.33 The information contained within the ES will be prepared with a view to providing the
information necessary to allow the competent authority to undertake an Appropriate
Assessment. See Chapter 6 for further details.
4.5 Marine and Coastal Ornithology
Baseline Environment and Receptors
Designated Sites
4.5.1 Annually, the Harbour supports over 20,000 wildfowl and waders of around 60 different
species, 17 of which are considered to be of national or international importance.
4.5.2 Populations of birds species within the harbour are closely monitored, every month from
September to March Wetland Birds Survey (Ref.27) counts are carried out at several
locations around the Harbour. Reserves at Arne and Brownsea Island are closely
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monitored by the RSPB and the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
4.5.3 The condition of the Harbour for the national and international designated features
(SSSI, SPA and Ramsar) has recently been assessed and published (Ref.15). The
assessment considers the condition of the available inter-tidal mudflat estuary, and
lagoon habitats for featured non breeding and breeding birds. The findings of this report
are summarised below.
Non-breeding birds
4.5.4 Poole Harbour is overall in favourable condition for non-breeding birds despite peak
counts between 1991-1998 and 2005/06-2008/09 showing apparent declines in the
following six species:
• shelduck - decline of 28.5%
• goldeneye - decline of 7.4%
• red-breasted Merganser - decline of 5.4%
• grey plover - decline of 41.1%
• redshank - decline of 28%
4.5.5 Additionally there appears to be a decline in the overall assemblage from much higher
levels during the 1980s and 1990s. This results in part from a considerable decline in
lapwing numbers, in common with much of the UK, and also a shortage of WeBS
counters in recent years resulting in incomplete counts. Despite these declines and
similarities in trends for the five species both regionally and nationally, species affected
have not been assessed as being in unfavourable condition. It is however suggested
that both redshank and grey plover require careful monitoring.
4.5.6 Poole Harbour is an active area in regards to recreational water crafts, which include
yachts, jet skis, windsurfers, RNLI vessels and speedboats. These activities could, at
least in part, have attributed to the decline and changes in distribution within the harbour
of red-breasted merganser and goldeneye. Given the increasing year-round levels of
disturbance and the growing popularity of a range of more recent water based sports,
potential disturbances from human recreational and other activities in the Harbour are
considered to require further study (Ref.15).
4.5.7 Assessments of bird distribution in the Harbour in relation to prey availability in both
Autumn 2002 and 2009 found areas of Brands Bay and Bramble Bush Bay were under-
utilised by feeding birds in relation to the high biomass of prey items found in these
areas. As discussed in Section 4.3, high nutrient levels have resulted in areas
becoming colonised by green macro-algal mats, which may deter birds from feeding.
Breeding birds
4.5.8 Generally the breeding bird community in the Harbour is considered to be in favourable
condition both for sand dunes and salt marshes, and for lowland open water and
margins. There is some concern at the apparent decline in common tern numbers and it
is suggested that this species should also be closely monitored in the future (Ref.15).
Reasons for decline have been given as predation by herons, crows, gulls and rats, poor
weather and trampling by roosting cormorants and sika deer. It is also considered
probable that the decline in redshank is continuing (Ref.15).
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4.5.9 The 2010 report suggests that management could be used to reduce some of these
impacts and that further surveys are required in order to fully understand the nature of
existing populations.
4.5.10 Poole Harbour remains nationally important for its breeding populations of common and
Sandwich terns and Mediterranean and black-headed gulls. In a local context, the
breeding population of the amber-listed redshank is also important.
Receptors likely to be affected by development
4.5.11 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Water birds - (i.e. loss of habitat, feeding resource, disturbance in terms of noise and visual disturbance)
4.5.12 Indirect effects on ornithological receptors could occur if the proposed development
increases recreational/commercial activities within the Harbour.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.5.13 Many of the designations covering Poole Harbour are primarily concerned with its
internationally important bird populations, and for this reason any development must
investigate the potential impacts on this receptor thoroughly.
4.5.14 Although declines in some species are likely to be part of a more widespread national
and regional decline, activities associated with the Master Plan may have the potential
to impact upon bird populations in the Harbour. Construction activities such as noise
may have direct impacts on birds using areas close to the port for example.
Operational effects may include:
• Disturbance by recreational activities such as windsurfing, water-skiing, wildfowling,
personal watercraft and wider access to the foreshore from the land especially if
carried out during the winter months;
• Disturbance in relation to the requirement for 24hour lighting at both the marina and
the windfarm base;
• The use of the personal watercraft zone to the north of Brownsea Island may be
disturbing birds feeding and nesting on the lagoon and beach;
• Entanglement of water birds in litter or fishing gear; and
• Hydrodynamic impacts such as increased erosion or sedimentation in areas used by
feeding waterbirds.
4.5.15 Bird Sensitive Areas and Anchorage Sensitive Zones have already been set up as a
result of the Aquatic Management Plan (Ref.11) but these will need to be considered
and reviewed in light of the proposed Master Plan. Although it should be noted that Bird
Sensitive Areas are located at the northern tip of Holes Bay, and at Arne Bay,
approximately 3km from the Port of Poole.
4.5.16 Milder winters due to climate change may also have the effect of attracting different
species to the Harbour. Rising sea levels can result in changes or loss of the habitat that
the birds use to feed and roost. Any increase in nutrients resulting from the
development could result in the proliferation of opportunistic green seaweeds (macro-
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algae), which form mats over the substrates in the inter-tidal zones of the Harbour (see
Section 4.3). The effects from the algal mats can be a reduction in feeding areas for
waterbirds, and the production of anoxic conditions which can affect the benthic
invertebrate communities.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.5.17 There are two potential aspects to the assessment of the development on waterbirds.
The first is associated with the construction period and the EIA will need to consider the
potential for noise and disturbance impacts on waterbirds likely to be present in the
area. This will require an assessment of the use of the areas potentially impacted by the
development.
4.5.18 Since data available for low tide counts is only available up to 2004/2005 (Ref.27), it is
proposed that a low tide count over the winter months for the sectors in close proximity
to the port is undertaken. A survey will also be undertaken to assess the importance of
the development area in relation to roosting and feeding, particularly for the two key
species of particular of concern to Natural England (i.e. goldeneye and merganser). It
should be noted, however, that key roosts for goldeneye are some distance from the
port and any activities associated with it, although occasionally a small roosting flock
use Poole Park Lake. Merganser tend to roost around Round Island and have been
observed flying off to roost in the direction of Studland Bay and Bournemouth. There is
also a small flock that roost in Poole Park.
4.5.19 The second aspect is associated with more wider impacts associated with the Harbour
works. The potential impact on waterbirds associated with changes to hydrodynamics
and therefore waterbird habitats will be considered, in addition to the potential for
general disturbance associated with an increase in recreational watercraft using the
harbour.
4.5.20 Impacts associated with hydrodynamic changes will largely rely on information provided
by the hydrodynamic modelling. Should this indicate significant changes to foreshore
areas, the proposed waterbird survey that will be undertaken to assess the potential for
noise disturbance could be extended to cover additional areas. This will be discussed
with conservation bodies following initial results of the hydrodynamic modelling.
4.5.21 In terms of the potential disturbance in relation to increased use of recreational
watercraft, it is important to note that the recent report written for Natural England
highlights the potential for significant disturbance to be caused as a result of recreational
activities in the harbour (Ref.15). It also recommends that a study of the recreational and
commercial activities and impacts in Poole harbour is initiated.
4.5.22 A watercraft survey was carried out during February and March which demonstrated that
there was minimal boat use of the Harbour and no indication of disturbance on the
sensitive areas. The birds seemed to be unaffected by the survey boat and other
nearby watercraft (within Holes Bay and Lychett Bay). Data available for the winter
period is of particular interest in that this is the period important for overwintering waders
and wildfowl. Migratory birds may however arrive in the Harbour earlier and therefore
information available as part of the 2010 survey during July and August is also relevant.
This indicates significantly higher use of the Harbour by watercraft but disturbance to
birds was not assessed.
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4.5.23 As part of the EIA the existing 2010 watercraft survey data will be considered and
discussed with Natural England to determine whether information available constitutes
an acceptable baseline. It should also be noted that initial indications from PHC do not
anticipate a significant increase in vessel numbers as potentially up to 50% of vessels
using the marina will be displaced vessels from other sites within the Harbour (see
Section 2.1). Impacts in terms of migratory bird disturbance are therefore not
anticipated to be significant.
4.5.24 Of relevance to this project will be the recent proposals by Natural England to undertake
a study to evaluate the frequency with which different disturbance events take place in
different parts of the Harbour over the winter at low and high tides. In order to inform the
EIA for the Port of Poole Master Plan, this study will be extended to cover Studland.
4.6 Terrestrial Ecology and Ornithology
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.6.1 Owing to the nature of the environment surrounding Poole Harbour, there exists
numerous statutory and non-statutory terrestrial designations. International designations
consist of SPAs and SACs, designated under the EC Birds and Habitats Directives, and
Ramsar sites, designated under the Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands
of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat).
4.6.2 Boundaries of some of these sites extend below the mean high water mark, but effects
on these sites are assessed in this section because the designated interest features of
the site are considered to be predominantly ‘coastal’ (e.g. dunes) rather than ‘marine’.
4.6.3 Statutory national designations include SSSIs and National Nature Reserves (NNR).
NNRs are declared by Natural England under the National Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act 1949 or the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In addition they are
often a selection of the very best parts of England’s SSSIs.
4.6.4 The international and national designations are briefly described below.
Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar
4.6.5 Part of the SPA and Ramsar lies 80m to the west of the breakwater surrounding the
Yacht Club. Here extensive mudflats are located which are of international importance
providing breeding habitat for common tern Sterna hirundo and Mediterranean gull
Larus melanocephalus and passage habitat for Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus
paludicola and Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Over winter the site supports populations of
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa
limosa islandica and Shelduck Tadorna tadorna.
Dorset Heathlands SPA
4.6.6 Parts of the Dorset Heathlands SPA are located approximately 1.9km west and also
1.9km south east of Poole Harbour. It is particularly important for breeding birds.
Specific species mentioned in the designation include the Dartford Warbler Sylvia,
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and the Woodlark Lullula arborea. Habitat for
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overwintering birds is also important to the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus and the Merlin
Falco columbarius.
Dorset Heaths Ramsar Site and SAC
4.6.7 Part of the Dorset Heaths Ramsar Site and SAC is located 2.4km south east of Poole
Harbour on Brownsea Island. It contains high species richness and ecological diversity
with good examples of European dry heaths, north Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix
and acid mire with Rhynchosporion. The heaths also support one nationally rare and 13
nationally scarce wetland plants and at least 28 nationally rare wetland invertebrate
species. The southern damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale is considered to be particularly
important in terms of the SAC designation criteria. Other important habitats and species
include:
• Molinea meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey silt-laden soils.
• Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae.
• Alkaline fens.
• Old acidophilous oak woods with Quercus robur on sandy plains.
• Great crested newt Triturus cristatus.
Dorset Heaths (Purbeck & Wareham) & Studland Dunes SAC
4.6.8 The Dorset Heaths (Purbeck & Wareham) & Studland Dunes SAC is located 6.5km
south of the Harbour. The site is designated for the same features as the Dorset
Heaths SAC and Ramsar with additional habitats; embryonic shifting dunes, shifting
dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (`white dunes`), Atlantic decalcified
fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea), humid dune slacks, oligotrophic waters containing very
few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) and bog woodland. The Southern
damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale, Molinea meadows, Calcareous fens with Cladium
mariscus and species of Caricion davallianae, alkaline fens, old acidophilous oak woods
with Quercus robur on sandy plains and great crested newts Triturus cristatus are also
listed.
Poole Harbour SSSI
4.6.9 The western breakwater and a small area of foreshore within the harbour lie within
Poole Harbour SSSI. The SSSI is designated for its inter-tidal marshes and mudflats.
These, together with the permanent channels, support large numbers of wintering
wildfowl and waders, for which Poole Harbour has national and international
significance. Fringing habitats of heathland, grassland and the islands provide additional
interests, in turn supporting further scarce and restricted flora and fauna. Several rare
marine invertebrates also occur within the Harbour.
Luscombe Valley SSSI
4.6.10 Luscombe Valley SSSI lies 4.4km east of the Harbour. It is part of the complex of
heathland sites which together comprise the Dorset Heathlands. This is one of the major
lowland heathland areas in Britain, with the sites showing a high degree of ecological
cohesion and clear ecological trends and patterns. The heathlands are important in a
European and international context for their plant and animal communities.
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Ham Common SSSI
4.6.11 Ham Common SSSI lies 2.5km to the north west of the Harbour. It consists of dry and
wet heath designated for its rich associated flora.
Arne SSSI
4.6.12 Arne Peninsula lies on the southern shore of Poole Harbour (1.5km south west of the
port) and consists of an extensive area of lowland heathland on the Bagshot Beds.
Diverse plant and animal communities of dry heath, wet heath and bog, which show
many characteristics typical of Purbeck heaths are present.
National Nature Reserves (NNR)
4.6.13 Arne Reedbeds NNR is a small area of reedbed situated on the inner fringe of Poole
Harbour near to the mouth of the river Frome (approximately 6km south west of the
Harbour). Breeding birds such as reed warbler, reed bunting and bearded tit add
interest to this site. This site is managed by the RSPB.
4.6.14 Studland and Godlingston Heaths NNR is located on the Isle of Purbeck (4km south
east of the Harbour) and includes 5km of sandy beaches. It is recognised for its
outstanding wildlife and variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs,
freshwater and sand dunes. All six British reptile species are found here and large
wildfowl populations use the site.
4.6.15 Situated to the west of Hamworthy is Holton Heath NNR (located approximately 5km
west of the Harbour) which is recognised for its woodland and lowland heath.
Non-statutory Local Nature Reserves (LNR)
4.6.16 Non statutory Local Nature Reserves (LNR) in the vicinity of the development are
located on the northern side of Poole Harbour, the closest being approximately 2.5km to
the west of the port. They comprise (approximate distances from the port in brackets):
• Luscombe Valley LNR (>4 km to the south east).
• Ham Common, Dorset LNR (2.5 km to the north west).
• Turlin Moor LNR (>3km to the north west).
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
4.6.17 In terms of the potential receptors, most of the designated sites are located at some
distance to the development and therefore significant direct effects are not anticipated.
There is however, the potential for habitats and species within Poole Harbour SPA and
Ramsar to be indirectly affected by any increase in numbers of watercraft. There will
also be a direct loss of habitat in Poole Harbour SSSI arising from the demolition of the
breakwater should the option to develop the western side of the port for the marine be
taken forward. Furthermore there is the potential for impacts on any birds using the port
and associated infrastructure for breeding and roosting (such as the existing
breakwater).
4.6.18 It is not anticipated that bats or invertebrates will be impacted as supporting habitat for
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these species is either not present or will not be impacted by the Harbour works.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.6.19 Potential environmental issues generally relate to the potential of the proposed
development to remove any habitat that may currently be being used by feeding,
roosting or breeding birds. Noise associated with the construction and operation of the
Harbour Works could also potentially disturb birds using the area.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.6.20 In order to determine the potential for terrestrial features to be impacted, it is proposed
that a Phase 1 habitat survey of the site will be carried out to characterise the type of
terrestrial and inter-tidal habitats present using Standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey
methodology (Ref.28). This involves walking the study area and surrounds and noting
each habitat type and will include searching for habitats that may support fauna species
of nature conservation interest. The findings of the survey will be illustrated on a Phase
1 Habitat Map. Habitats of interest will be described in the accompanying target notes
and all species names are taken from Stace 1997 (Ref.29). The results of the survey
will then be discussed with Natural England in order to determine whether further work
would be required.
4.6.21 In terms of indirect effects in relation to designated sites such as the potential for
disturbance and noise associated with any potential increases in watercraft, information
collated in order to inform potential impacts in relation to marine ornithology and noise
assessment will be used to inform the assessment of impacts on terrestrial birds
4.7 Fisheries
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.7.1 Most of the commercial fishing in the vicinity of Poole Harbour is carried out at sea.
Within the Harbour, around 35 species of adult finfish, 17 species of bivalve shellfish,
and 11 species of decapod crustaceans have been recorded (Ref.13). The conditions
and productivity of Poole Harbour are such that shellfish, eels and some fish species are
found in much greater quantities within the Harbour than on the open coast. Wet fish
such as mullet, bass, flounder, sole and plaice are caught commercially using fixed, drift,
seine, and trawl nets, and hand lines, whilst eels are trapped using fyke nets (Ref.13).
Shellfish
4.7.2 The beds of Poole Harbour are leased to grow stocks of mussels, clams, oysters and
cockles. There is a major licensed fishery for wild stocks of Manila clams and a major
unlicensed fishery for cockles inside Poole Harbour, both of which use mechanical
means to harvest the shellfish.
4.7.3 The Shellfish Leasebeds within the Harbour cover a large area and are concentrated in
the areas to the west and south of Brownsea Island. The nearest leasebed boundary to
the proposed development site is 0.6km to the south of the proposed development.
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4.7.4 Designated Shellfish waters, such as those within Poole Harbour are required to meet
the standards set in the EC Shellfish Waters Directive and Shellfish Hygiene Directive.
Bivalve production areas are classified according to the level of treatment they require
prior to their sale from A to C grade, where grade A sites require no pre-treatment and
grade C sites require intensive purification. Of the five designated shellfish waters
around Poole Bay, the majority were classified as Class B in 2010 (the exception being
the Manila clam bed in the Wareham Channel West), in which shellfish must undergo
moderate purification by relaying in cleaner water for varying lengths of time before
marketing (Ref. 17).
Finfish
4.7.5 The harbour waters are believed to have significant breeding and nursery areas for fish,
such as bass Dicentrarchus labrax, thicklipped mullet Mugil labrosus, thin-lipped mullet
Mugil capito, and pollack Pollachius pollachius. The harbours are also important for
other fish species including bullhead, roach, dace, carp and bream (Ref.13).
4.7.6 There is one designated nursery area within the Harbour which is for bass. This comes
under the Bass (Specified Areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) (Variation) Order 1999.
However other fish species such as cockle Cerastoderma edule, eel Anguilla anguilla
and clam Mya arenaria are also protected throughout the Harbour by closed seasons.
Migratory fish
4.7.7 The rivers Frome and Piddle are known for salmon Salmo salar, migratory trout and
brown trout Salmo trutta fisheries (Ref.16) but are located 6km from the proposed
development. Eels also run through the harbour as juveniles to reach freshwater, where
they mature before returning to the sea as adults (Ref.13).
Bait Collection
4.7.8 Poole Harbour supports substantial populations of bait species, which form a valuable
economic and ecological resource. The main species that are targeted for collection by
both anglers and commercial fishermen, are lugworm Arenicola marina, catworm
Nephtys hombergiand and king-ragworm Nereis virens with the majority of the activity
taking place on the more accessible North shore. Depending on the location and
intensity of the activities, disturbance of birds and bird prey availability can be a concern.
Receptors likely to be affected by development
4.7.9 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Fish breeding and nursery grounds;
• Shellfish leasebeds; and
• Migratory fish.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.7.10 Direct impacts as a result of disturbance caused during construction activities have the
potential to affect fish species in the area. However, those species present are likely to
be widespread elsewhere within the Harbour. There is no shellfish activity adjacent to
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the proposed development and due to the localised nature of the proposed works it is
unlikely that direct impacts would occur.
4.7.11 Indirect impacts as a result of increases in suspended sediment concentrations and
sediment deposition have the potential to affect the fish and shellfish resource. For
finfish this could result in physiological effects and reduced foraging and feeding ability
due to a reduced visual range, however species living in estuarine areas are likely to
have adapted physiologically to such conditions. Of the fish species that are known to
occur within the Harbour, salmonids (salmon and sea trout) are likely to be the most
susceptible to increases in suspended solid concentrations above background.
4.7.12 Smothering of shellfish can result in reduced feeding ability and growth, restricted
respiratory functioning and, in extreme cases, mortality, therefore the activities
associated with the development could have an affect on the nearby leasebeds.
4.7.13 Increases in recreational and commercial activities as a result of the Harbour
improvements could result in increased disturbance related impacts for fish and
shellfish, specifically if migration routes are interrupted.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.7.14 The fish populations and shellfish beds will be described in detail within the EIA on the
basis of existing literature and through consultation with key regulators (e.g.
Environment Agency and Southern Sea Fisheries Committee).
4.7.15 In terms of assessing the potential impacts, the information will largely be derived from
the hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling (see Section 4.2) and associated
assessments on sediment and water quality (see Section 4.3). This will enable an
assessment to be made as to the likely areas any disturbed or dredged material will
deposit and where the sediment plume associated with the dredging will occur.
Consequently, impacts on shellfish beds and migratory pathways can be assessed.
4.8 Geology and Soils
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.8.1 The geology underlying Poole Harbour and the surrounding area is dominated by
Bracklesham and Bagshot Beds, with some additional areas of alluvium, plateau gravels
and valley gravels (Plate 4.4).
4.8.2 Several geological statutory and non-statutory geological designations are present
although none are within the port boundary. SSSIs are designated under the Wildlife
and Countryside Act and Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites
(RIGS) which are non-statutory Local Sites are designated by local authorities.
4.8.3 Designations with indicative distances from the port to the site are:
• Arne SSSI (1.6km south west).
• Ham Common SSSI (2.5km north west).
• Whitecliff RIGS (2km east).
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• Shipstal Point RIGS (1.6km south west).
• Brownsea Island RIGS (1.5km south).
Plate 4.4 Geology of Poole Harbour (Ref.30)
4.8.4 The western part of Poole Bay lies within the Dorset and East Devon World Heritage
Site (The Jurassic Coast). It is one of 28 sites of this kind in the UK and is designated
under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO)
World Heritage Convention. This site is designated for the outstanding range of
geological and geomorphological interests. The eastern boundary of the World Heritage
Site is Old Harry Rocks, near Studland which is located 8.3km south east of the
proposed development.
4.8.5 There is no baseline information about the nature and/or quality of the soils at the Port of
Poole. However, it is known that some of the port estate comprises reclaimed land and,
therefore, some of the soils will comprise made ground.
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
4.8.6 The proposals are not located within or immediately adjacent to any site designated for
its geological interest.
4.8.7 It is expected that the land-side elements of the new port development Master Plan will
be constructed within the port estate but such works will only cause minimal disturbance
to the upper layers of soils and/or made ground.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.8.8 Geological receptors are distant to the port estate and unlikely to be affected by the
proposals. Accordingly, it is suggested that impacts on geology can be scoped out of
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the EIA and no further work is proposed.
4.8.9 Given that little disturbance to soils and ground is expected to occur, a standard Phase
1 Desk Study and site walkover are proposed to inform the EIA process. This work will
include the following tasks:
• Review of historical maps to determine potential sources of historical contamination;
• Site walkover to determine potential sources of current contamination;
• Review of licensed activities and recorded pollution events;
• Review of previous construction, infill and reclamation events;
• Review of any technical reports; and
• Preparation of a conceptual model and conclusions relating to potential
contamination.
4.8.10 The desk study will identify the potential for the presence of contaminated land and for
the proposed new port development to affect it. While this is currently considered to be
unlikely, further work in the form of an intrusive site investigation works might be
required to complete the impact assessment.
4.9 Historic Environment
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.9.1 A desk study (including a search of archaeological records), walkover survey, diving
survey and an assessment of geotechnical data (including borehole logs) were
undertaken to inform the Channel Deepening EIA (Ref.13). This study considered the
potential for finding issues of archaeological interest in the marine environment likely to
be impacted by the proposed dredging.
4.9.2 The following text summarises the findings of this study which may be relevant to the
proposed development.
Lower, Middle and Early Upper Palaeolithic Sites
4.9.3 Artefacts of Lower Palaeolithic, or Palaeolithic date have been recovered in the area
studied as part of the Channel Deepening EIA, although none were discovered within
the proposed dredging or disposal area. It was concluded that the potential for
archaeological remains dating to this period within the proposed disposal area could not
be quantified, and any stratigraphy (layers) of archaeological interest are likely to be
buried beneath modern sediment.
Late Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Sites
4.9.4 The study concluded that archaeological potential of the proposed dredging area is high
within Poole Harbour, due to the survival of remains from peat deposits at similar
waterlogged sites. This conclusion was mirrored in the Twin Sails Bridge EIA (Ref.14).
Late Prehistoric and Roman Terrestrial Sites
4.9.5 The area contains a wealth of evidence for the exploitation of the area around Poole
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Harbour by later prehistoric and Roman communities, including settlements, ritual and
industrial sites. There has been other maritime related sites and finds elsewhere in the
harbour, including two Iron Age jetties, which demonstrate the growing importance of
Poole Harbour as a port.
4.9.6 There is some potential for submerged terrestrial or foreshore archaeological sites or
finds dating to this period, however within Poole Harbour sites or finds from this date are
likely to be of marine origin.
Marine Archaeology
4.9.7 A total of 332 known post-Roman maritime remains were recorded within the area to be
dredged for the Channel Deepening (Ref.13) and the earliest archaeological evidence
for maritime activity within the Harbour occurs in the form of an Iron Age logboat and two
Iron Age jetty structures.
4.9.8 Archaeological and documentary sources indicate that shipping activity within Poole
Harbour increased throughout the Roman and Saxon period. By the early Medieval
period, the Port of Poole had been established and the potential for shipwrecks within
the study area as a whole increases with the associated increase in levels of shipping in
the area through time.
4.9.9 The geophysical survey carried out for the Channel Deepening EIA identified five sites
as shipwrecks and associated features, 28 sites with medium archaeological potential
and 202 of low archaeological potential.
4.9.10 Previous surveys undertaken in Poole Harbour minimise the chance of unknown wrecks
being present within the area associated with the proposed development; however it is
possible that if further anomalies were identified they could be of archaeological
importance.
4.9.11 The Swash Channel Wreck was identified as a result of a geophysical survey for the
channel deepening, and is located in 7m of water adjacent to the eastern edge of the
dredged section of the Poole Harbour approach channel (Ref.31). It was designated as
a Historic Wreck under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 in 2004 and is thought to
have dated from the first half of the 17th century.
Terrestrial Archaeology
4.9.12 The Twin Sails Bridge EIA (Ref.14) identified a number of archaeological finds and
features on the Hamworthy and Poole side of the proposed bridge, however it was
concluded that due to the late reclamation of these areas and the results of the site
investigation works, the potential for the recovery of archaeological sites and artefacts,
is regarded as low.
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
4.9.13 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Archaeological remains present in the footprint of the development area;
• Archaeological remains present within the area requiring dredging; and
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• Archaeological remains present in an area predicted to be impacted by changes to
hydrodynamics of the area.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.9.14 During construction there is the potential that the dredging could disturb or damage in-
situ archaeological sites, particularly associated with the capital dredging and during
intrusive works associated with construction of marine infrastructure.
4.9.15 In terms of the operational phase, impacts are deemed unlikely and could only
potentially arise as a result of significant changes to the hydrodynamics and
sedimentary processes within the Harbour. For example if significant areas of erosion
are predicted, there is the potential for an indirect effect to arise on a potential
archaeological resource.
4.9.16 In terms of terrestrial archaeological impacts, as stated above, due to the late
reclamation of these areas and the results of the site investigation works undertaken for
the Twin Sails Bridge, the potential for the recovery of archaeological sites and artefacts
is regarded as low. This element has therefore been scoped out of the EIA.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.9.17 In the first instance, a desk study will be undertaken in order to determine whether there
are any known areas of archaeological interest within the footprint of the proposed
development. In addition, the risk of potentially disturbing any unknown sites will be
evaluated. This will be undertaken in accordance with the standards and guidance of
the Institute of Field Archaeologists and agreed with the local authority archaeologist
and English Heritage. It is envisaged that the assessment will require the following
elements of work:
• Identify the known and potential archaeological heritage using existing information
available;
• Identity in detail past impacts on the study area; and
• Undertake a detailed assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed
development on the archaeological heritage.
4.9.18 The desk study will then identify the nature of any further work should it be required.
This may include the requirement to undertake intrusive site investigation.
4.10 Landscape and Visual Amenity
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.10.1 The landscape of Poole Harbour is essentially maritime in character. The northern
shore is mostly developed, with the majority of the shoreline being built-up between
Hamworthy and Sandbanks. Much of the shore is backed by residential properties but
between Poole Quay and the port, industrial and commercial uses are evident.
4.10.2 Views of the Harbour from the northern shore and Hamworthy Park are dominated by
Brownsea Island, which is low-lying and largely wooded. In contrast to the north and
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east, the southern and western shores of the Harbour are relatively undeveloped. They
are also relatively inaccessible, meaning that fewer people visit these areas of the
Harbour.
4.10.3 Poole Harbour, and the surrounding area have been designated for their landscape
value and Dorset AONB covers over half of Poole Harbour which includes Brownsea
and the smaller islands. The designation does not however, include the development
area, Lychett Bay, Holes Bay, or the shipping channels to the north of Brownsea Island.
4.10.4 The AONB is specifically designated for its complex chalk, limestone and sandstone
geology, rich ecology and for its scenery. The rare remaining downland and heathlands
are also highly important conservation habitats supporting a wide range of flora and
fauna. The Purbeck Heritage Coast is encompassed within the AONB and runs from
Arne, in Poole Harbour, along the southern shore of the Isle of Purbeck to Weymouth
Bay.
4.10.5 Poole Harbour falls within Landscape Character Area 135 - Dorset Heaths. This area
has the following characteristics (Ref.32):
• An exposed, open, broad-scale landscape forming a strong contrast with the
adjacent character areas;
• Undulating lowland heath with tracts of heather, stunted pines and gorse scrub;
• Blocks of conifers forming locally-prominent landmarks;
• Mosaics of heathland, farmland, woodland and scrub;
• Much is sparsely populated with scattered settlements and a few small villages and
towns but the extensive conurbation of Poole-Bournemouth forms a major influence
in the south and east;
• Flat-bottomed, open valleys with floodplain pastures and willows; and
• An outer edge of low, rolling hills with an irregular patchwork of pasture, woodland
and dense hedges marking the transition to the chalk.
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
4.10.6 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Areas used by feeding and roosting waterbirds (in relation to 24hour lighting);
• Views from Hamworthy Park
• Views from Poole
• Views from Brownsea Island
• Views from the AONB
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.10.7 It is likely that the construction phase will impact on the visual setting of the area due to
the temporary presence of dredgers, construction plant and associated lighting that
would be required should work be required outside of normal daylight hours. The impact
would however be temporary.
4.10.8 In terms of the operational phase, elements of the Master Plan will impact on the visual
setting, particularly in relation to the marina. There may also be visual impacts in
relation to the offshore windfarm working area (such as during assembly of turbine
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components that require structures to be upright and presence of cranes) however these
will be temporary until such time as the offshore windfarm is completed. Impacts
associated with the visual appearance of the marina will be permanent.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.10.9 Due to the potential impacts on the visual landscape, it is proposed that a landscape
and visual impact assessment is undertaken by a Chartered Landscape Consultant in
accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment’ (Ref.33).
Reference should also be made to the Countryside Agency’s (2003) Landscape
Character Assessment. Particular consideration will be given to:
• the potential extension of the Marine Centre into the harbour and the overall larger
scale of the port facilities;
• the proximity of the Port of Poole to residential areas (e.g. within Hamworthy and
Poole);
• the potential viewpoints of the new works across the harbour (e.g. from Poole’s
waterfront);
• the potential areas used by feeding and roosting waterbirds (in relation to 24 hour
lighting); and
• the nearby location of the AONB.
The assessment will address the various distinct components of the new port
development, and will assess the impacts of the individual and combined components of
the various options against the landscape character of the Harbour and the surrounding
areas including Town Quay and Hamworthy, the surrounding countryside, and the
changes to views from the land and sea.
The LVIA will be informed by consultation with the Borough of Poole Council and other
stakeholders. The assessment work will include a site visit, review of baseline
information, analysis of landscape character, identification of the zone of visual influence
(ZVI) and principal and secondary viewpoints, detailed landscape and visual
assessment work, preparation of maps and plans, and a mitigations strategy.
4.11 Transport
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.11.1 A detailed assessment of traffic in the environs of Poole Harbour was made in the EIA
for the Twin Sails Bridge (Ref.14). This has been reviewed and updated with
information obtained from the Borough of Poole website (Ref.34) to provide this baseline
transport section.
Roads
4.11.2 The Port of Poole is situated in the Hamworthy area of Poole, at the southern end of
Holes Bay and on the opposite side of the Little Channel to the main area of Poole
including the town centre. The port’s location strongly influences its accessibility by
road.
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4.11.3 The port is situated along New Quay Road. This road is connected to at a mini-
roundabout off which spur two main routes into the local road network. Heading north-
west from the mini-roundabout, the B3068 Blandford Road is single carriageway passing
through Hamworthy. It is subject to a 30 mph speed restriction, with footways to both
sides and street lighting. At its northern end, the Blandford Road passes through Upton
and connects into the primary highway network at the A35. At its southern end, near the
mini-roundabout by the port, Blandford Road currently carries about 16,000 vehicles two
way per day (Ref.14).
4.11.4 Heading north-east from the mini-roundabout, the Bridge Approach (A350) connects to
the existing lifting bridge, West Quay Road (B3068) through Poole and then heads north
along Holes Bay Road (A350) and connects into primary highway network at the A35.
West Quay Road has a 30 mph speed restriction, footways to both sides and street
lighting. West Street (A350) has to be used instead of using West Quay Road if heading
in the direction of the port. West Quay Road and West Street operate as a one way
system (with Bay Hog Lane completing the loop) between the existing lifting bridge and
Holes Bay Road (A350). North of this one-way system, West Quay Road carries in the
order of 5,300 vehicles on the average day with 550 vehicles in the morning peak hour.
West Street carries some 18,900 vehicles on an average day with some 1,280 during
the morning peak hour. Because of the one-way system to the south, flows on these
two roads are tidal (Ref.14).
Road Bridges
4.11.5 Road access between Poole and Hamworthy (i.e. across the Little Channel) is currently
provided by the lifting bridge that forms parts of the A350. A new bridge, the Twin Sails
Bridge, is being constructed upstream of the existing bridge and is due to open in
December 2011. The purpose of this bridge is to improve connectivity between Poole
and Hamworthy and to facilitate economic growth through the regeneration of brownfield
land in Lower Hamworthy.
4.11.6 Gifford & Partners Ltd (Ref.14) predicted that the second bridge would improve the road
network capacity in the vicinity of the two bridges and thereby reduce congestion, delay
and journey times throughout the day. They also note that the operational management
of the second bridge will address the use of the road network by HGVs accessing the
Port of Poole by endeavouring to avoid the bridge being lifted at times when a Ro-Ro
ferry is being unloaded.
Rail
4.11.7 The area is served by two railway stations, Poole and Hamworthy. These are located
1.8km north east and 1.9km northwest respectively of the commercial port. Both
Stations are connected to Poole Harbour by a network of footways which have the
benefit of street lighting. Cycling is possible to both locations, primarily on carriageway.
Regular bus services also connect directly or run close to the stations.
4.11.8 Poole is on the main line between Weymouth and London Waterloo and has three
eastbound trains per hour on weekdays. Hamworthy station has two eastbound trains
per hour, but has limited passenger facilities in comparison to Poole. Journey times to
London are about two hours. The line also serves Bournemouth, Southampton,
Winchester and Basingstoke.
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Bus
4.11.9 Bus services along Blandford Road via Bridge Approach provide 10 buses per hour,
each way, between Hamworthy and Poole Town Centre (Ref.14).
Cycling
4.11.10 Poole and Hamworthy areas have a number of designated cycle routes. Whilst a
network of on carriageway and segregated cycle routes exist, there is no continuous
route currently identified linking Poole to Hamworthy other than the long route around
Holes Bay. Cycle parking is provided at numerous locations throughout Poole Quay, the
Old Town, the Town Centre and the two railway stations (Ref.14).
Walking
4.11.11 In addition to the pavements, there are a number of footpaths in Hamworthy and Poole.
The most notable is a spur of the South West Coast Path, a National Trail which runs
from the harbour, around Parkstone Bay and around to Sandbanks to join the main path
(Ref.14).
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
• Local road network, particularly the A350 and B3068.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.11.12 During the construction phase associated with all options for the proposed
developments, there is the potential for deliveries of construction materials and plant
and commuting by workers to increase traffic on local roads to and from the port.
However, it is anticipated that most construction materials will be either delivered by sea
and offloaded onto one of the port’s quays (e.g. piles for the quays), or will be delivered
by sea and placed directly as part of the construction process (e.g. rock for the rubble
breakwaters or pontoons for the marina), or will be directly derived and delivered from
marine sources (e.g. fill material for land reclamation derived from capital and/or
maintenance dredging in Poole Harbour and/or Poole Bay). In addition, it is anticipated
that key construction plant, including large marine plant (e.g. jack-up platforms, piling
rigs and dredgers) will be mobilised to and demobilised from site by sea. Accordingly,
the potential impact of construction on road traffic is expected to be limited, in general,
to occasional deliveries of construction materials and plant, and regular commuting by
workers.
4.11.13 In terms of the operational phase, the largest source of road traffic will be associated
with the cruise ship berth and the number of day call passengers and turnaround
passengers. As identified in Section 2, the coach and car movements associated with
the cruise ship berth are likely to be low in relation to ongoing Ro-Ro ferry operations at
the port. However, it is acknowledged that road traffic associated with day calls to the
cruise ship berth can coincide with peak traffic times and that baseline traffic conditions
associated with Ro-Ro ferry operations can exhibit strong seasonal variations.
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Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.11.14 The County Council hold highways data for primary transport routes in and around
Poole and this data will be requested to inform the baseline flows for road traffic for the
purposes of the EIA. It is not anticipated that additional traffic counts will be needed to
inform the baseline road traffic conditions. However, if more detailed impact
assessment is required (e.g. to inform modelling), then it is possible that traffic counts
might be required to identify the baseline flows associated with the operation of the new
Twin Sails Bridge that is due to open in December 2011.
4.11.15 The extent of the impact assessment for road traffic will be based on the following rules
in line with current guidance (Ref.35):
• Rule 1: include highway links where traffic flows are predicated to increase by more
than 30% (or where the number of HGV is predicted to increase by more than 30%);
and
• Rule 2: include any other specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows are
predicted to increase by 10% or more.
4.11.16 Increases in traffic flows below 10% are generally considered to be insignificant given
that daily variations in background traffic flow may vary by this amount. Therefore:
• changes in traffic flows below this threshold will be assumed to result in no
discernable or significant environmental effects and will not be assessed in more
detail to inform the EIA process; and
• changes in traffic flows below this threshold will be assumed to result in discernable
or significant environmental effects and will be assessed in more detail for sensitive
receptors in the vicinity of highway links where flows have increased by greater than
10%.
4.11.17 It is anticipated that a Transportation Assessment will not be required to inform the EIA
process and to support consent applications. However, potentially discernible and
significant effects, should they be predicted, will be discussed with the relevant
highways authority (i.e. the Highways Agency or Dorset County Council) such that more
detailed assessment methods (such as modelling and the undertaking of a
Transportation Assessment) and/or mitigation measures can be agreed.
4.12 Noise and Vibration
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.12.1 The noise environment within Poole Harbour is generally characterised by low to
medium noise levels depending on location. For example, certain areas of the Harbour,
particularly in the south and west, are remote from human influence and have low levels
of background noise. Background noise levels are higher in the northern and eastern
areas of the Harbour as such areas are more influenced by human activity. That is, most
of the eastern shore of the Harbour is highly populated, with roads running alongside the
Harbour in places (e.g. in the Whitley Lake area)
4.12.2 The Port of Poole, nearby industries (e.g. yacht building at Sunseeker) and the local
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road network are existing sources of noise at the northern part of Poole Harbour.
4.12.3 The Port of Poole is on the opposite bank of the Little Channel to the Quay and there
are a number of noise sources at the various quays and wharves, including noise
generated from shipping activity.
4.12.4 Poole Town Quay, on the opposite bank of the Little Channel to the port, is dominated
by marine-related activity such as charter boat hire, passenger vessel operations,
commercial fishing activity, marina facilities and road traffic.
4.12.5 A main road runs around the perimeter of Holes Bay and traffic noise dominates the
background noise environment in this area.
4.12.6 There are no significant sources of vibration in and around Poole Harbour, although
localised vibration is likely to occur around railway lines, road links and, potentially,
during the loading and unloading of certain cargoes within the port (e.g. aggregates).
4.12.7 Noise sensitive receptors can be divided into four areas: humans (i.e. residents and
visitors) and properties in Hamworthy, humans and properties in Town Quay, humans
and properties along the roads leading to and from the port (e.g. B3068), and the
humans and properties in the wider area of Poole Harbour.
Receptors Likely to be Affected by the Proposed Development
4.12.8 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• noise sensitive receptors (humans and properties, birds) around the harbour during
construction; and
• noise sensitive receptors (humans and properties, birds) around Port of Poole during
operation (to include receptors on the approach roads to the port).
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.12.9 Noise could potentially be generated during dredging and civil engineering works, in
particular activities such as piling, cutting of concrete and hammering can be significant
sources of sound.
4.12.10 Movement of mobile plant on the construction site can give rise to low frequency noise
which can be audible at considerable distances away from the site. Increased noise and
vibration from movements of construction-related vehicles on roads leading to the port
may also be an issue, but is not anticipated to be significant because most of the
construction plant and materials will be delivered / imported to site by sea
4.12.11 Piling during construction may potentially give rise to perceptible vibration at nearly
potentially sensitive properties, causing damage.
4.12.12 During the operational phase, noise impacts may be associated with use of the marina
(engine noise for example), construction of the wind turbine components, noise
associated with the berthing and passenger movements using the cruise terminal and
offloading and loading at the deep water quay. It is believed that peak noise levels
associated with the windfarm base could be as high as 120dB(A), although mean noise
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levels would be lower. It is also possible that operations at the windfarm base could
occur 24 hours a day, which means noise could be generated during the night. Noise
associated with operations at the deep water quays are not expected to change
significantly given that the same handling and storage operations are likely to take
place. The cruise ship berth could introduce new intermittent noise sources at the port
such as the use of tannoy systems.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.12.13 It is proposed that a noise survey will be carried out to obtain baseline data and inform
the EIA process. This will be focussed on the port and receptors around the port where
the majority of construction and operational activity will take place. The noise surveys
will measure existing ambient and background noise levels and will be based on
consultation with PBC’s Environmental Health Officer and initial desk-based studies of
noise impacts.
4.12.14 It is not proposed to undertake underwater noise surveys or vibration surveys to inform
the EIA process.
4.12.15 It is suggested that noise calculations will be made to determine whether any of the
receptors are likely to be at risk of increased noise levels during construction and
operation of the new port facilitates. Impact assessments will be made in accordance
with guidance contained in relevant British Standards.
4.12.16 Vibration from construction will be assessed in relation to the extent and duration of
construction works likely to cause ground-borne vibration (i.e. piling) in relation to the
proximity of sensitive receptors (i.e. buildings susceptible to damage). The assessment
of the likelihood of building damage will be assessed against criteria for vibration levels
in relevant British Standards.
4.12.17 Vibration from on-site construction may affect the listed/heritage buildings on, or close to
the site. The assessment will examine the extent, duration and proximity of those works
likely to create significant levels of ground borne vibration (i.e. piling). Assessment of
the likelihood of building damage will be assessed against relevant criterion vibration
levels provided in appropriate British Standards and other information, as appropriate.
4.13 Air Quality
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.13.1 At a UK level, the UK Air Quality Strategy establishes a number of air quality standards
(i.e. required pollutant concentrations) and objectives (i.e. policy targets) towards the
improvement of air quality. At a local level, the Borough of Poole Council has a statutory
duty for managing local air quality under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 and
carries out regular reviews and assessments of air quality against national air quality
objectives for the purpose of local air quality management (LAQM). Therefore, the
Borough of Poole Council monitors the air quality at 18 locations across its district.
Monitoring stations record the concentrations of pollutants including nitrogen dioxide,
benzene, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Whilst most areas within the borough are showing
a downward trend in pollutant concentrations mainly due to advances in vehicle engines
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and fuels, the concentrations in some areas have yet to decrease to below that required
of the Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 within the required time
frame (Ref.36).
4.13.2 Section 83 (1) of the Environment Act 1995 states that a local authority must designate
an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for those parts of its area where air quality
objectives are unlikely to be met. Monitoring of air pollutants led to the Borough of Poole
Council declaring an AQMA along part of Commercial Road (A35) due to nitrogen
dioxide exceeding 40µg/m3: the maximum levels of nitrogen dioxide in this area were
recorded at approximately 45µg/m3. The AQMA was declared and came into force in
2010. A subsequent assessment for the AQMA (Ref.36) concluded that the original
findings of the assessment were correct (i.e. there is a requirement for an AQMA) and
that the boundaries should be moved to include further properties within Commercial
Road. The AQMA encompasses a short section of Commercial Road between its
junctions with Station Road and Curzon Road. At this location, the AQMA is
approximately 2.8km from the Port of Poole.
4.13.3 The Port of Poole’s current operations could contribute to local air quality conditions due
to the following activities:
• fugitive dust emissions due to the storage and handling of dry bulks such as sands
and gravel;
• exhaust emissions from cargo handling vehicles and plant (e.g. cranes) as part of
cargo handling operations;
• exhaust emissions from road vehicles passing through the port as part of Ro-Ro
ferry operations; and
• exhaust emissions from ships using the port, including those ships with idling
engines when berthed at the port.
4.13.4 PHC monitor carbon dioxide emissions as part of their environmental policy. The
2009/2010 levels were recorded at 1,600 tonnes; a 10% decrease since 2008/2009.
This is mainly thought to be due to a reduction in the use of marine gas oil.
Receptors Likely to be affected by the Proposed Development
• air quality objectives sensitive to increases in local concentrations of air quality
pollutants as a result of construction and operational activities; and
• residential and commercial receptors sensitive to nuisance effects that could arise
as a result of fugitive dust emissions generated during construction and operational
activities;
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.13.5 Fugitive dust emissions can cause nuisance effects to nearby residents and properties
and can increase local concentrations of fine particulate matter (i.e. PM10). Exhaust
emissions from construction plant and port operations can increase air pollutant
concentrations.
4.13.6 Construction activities that often result in dust emissions include site preparation and
earth moving, stockpiling and handling of loose materials, and the movement of vehicles
causing re-suspension of road dust, particularly on unmade roads. It is anticipated that
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construction activities of this nature will be small in scale and duration given that the
majority of the construction work is expected to take place within the water. Accordingly,
it is anticipated that potential construction impacts will comprise fugitive dust emissions
from site activities and exhaust emissions from construction traffic, non-road mobile
machinery (NRMM) and marine vessels, particularly dredgers.
4.13.7 During the operational phase, increases to road traffic and the movement and idling of
vessels will give rise to exhaust emissions and could affect local air quality conditions.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.13.8 Baseline air quality conditions will be established using data from the UK Air Quality
Archive (UKAQA) and BPC. No baseline air quality monitoring is proposed to inform the
EIA process on the basis that it is assumed that sufficient baseline data will be available
from these sources.
4.13.9 Impacts will be assessed for relevant pollutants in relation to air quality objectives for the
protection of human health. A significant adverse effect would be concluded if
construction and/or operational activities were predicted to increase baseline
concentrations such that the maximum pollutant concentrations established by the
objectives were to be exceeded.
4.13.10 It is expected that most construction and/or operational activities are unlikely to generate
significant emissions of fugitive dust and/or pollutants because they will be small in scale
compared to those activities that contribute to baseline conditions; notably road traffic.
Construction dust and exhaust emissions are generally addressed (e.g. mitigated)
through a properly managed Code of Construction Practice, which can be built into a
contract specification or obligations. It is suggested that air quality modelling will not be
required to inform the EIA process in relation to construction phase impacts.
Nevertheless, recommendations for dust and exhaust emission control - as good
practice measures - will be discussed with BPC and identified in the ES.
4.13.11 Given the amount of marine activity at the Port of Poole and around Poole Harbour,
locally elevated concentrations of sulphur dioxide might be expected due to marine
exhaust emissions. However, with the implementation of the European Directive on the
Sulphur Content of Marine Fuels, the sulphur content of marine fuels for ships in the
English Channel was reduced from 4.5% to 1.5% in 2007 and restricted to 0.1% for
ships on berth in 2010. In addition, Defra guidance (Ref.37) suggests that ports with
fewer than 5000 calls per annum do not require detailed air quality assessment as they
are unlikely to lead to exceedances of air quality objectives. While, it is possible that
some construction and/or operational activities could temporarily affect air quality
conditions in relation to sulphur dioxide due to exhaust emissions (e.g. from dredgers
during capital dredging and land reclamation works or berthed cruise vessels), it is
anticipated that numerical modelling of air quality impacts will not be required to inform
the EIA process.
4.13.12 If modelling is required, it is expected that the model would be sufficiently detailed to
calculate pollutant increases at in relation to baseline data taking into account local
meteorological conditions.
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4.14 Navigation
Baseline Environment and Receptors
Commercial Vessels
4.14.1 Brittany Ferries operate a regular cross-Channel service between Poole and Cherbourg;
the Barfleur is a passenger and freight ferry and the Coutances is a freight ferry. During
the summer, Brittany Ferries typically make four sailings a day from Poole to Cherbourg
and during the winter three sailings a day.
4.14.2 From April to October, Condor Ferries also operate a fast ferry service which connects
Poole with the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, and from May to September
this service runs to St. Malo. Condor Ferries also operate a seasonal service to
Cherbourg in conjunction with Brittany Ferries.
4.14.3 As a major destination for bulk cargo imports, the port receives imports of steel, timber,
bricks, fertiliser, grain, aggregates and palletised traffic. Export cargoes include clay,
sand, fragmented steel and grain. Aggregate dredgers are also regular visitors and
discharge their cargoes of sand and gravel. In 2009/2010, the conventional cargo quays
handled a total of 300,000 tonnes.
4.14.4 Poole Harbour is also used by a number of other commercial craft, including sightseeing
and fishing vessels. During the tourist season a number of sightseeing craft operate
from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island and around the Harbour. The Furzey Island supply
vessel operates from the BP base at Hamworthy.
4.14.5 At the Harbour entrance, the chain ferry operates a regular, all-year car ferry service to
connect Sandbanks with the Studland peninsula. This service is operated by the
Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company. By law, all vessels must give
way to the chain ferry, unless under pilotage.
Recreational Vessels
4.14.6 According to the South West Regional Ports Association (Ref.38), there are
approximately 3,500 wet berths in Poole Harbour for recreational craft, club and
commercial, as well as a dedicated visitor boat haven.
4.14.7 More information about recreational navigation is provided in Section 4.16.
Navigation
4.14.8 The main navigation channels include:
• Swash Channel from the Bar Buoy to the Chain Ferry (in Poole Bay);
• Haven Channel from the Chain Ferry to 16 buoy;
• Middle Ship Channel, from 16 buoy to Stakes;
• Turning Basin, off the Ferry Port; and
• Little Channel from Stakes to Poole Bridge.
4.14.9 Poole Harbour entrance is approached via the Swash Channel. The Swash Channel
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runs generally north-west/south-east and is identified on either side by port and
starboard buoys. The Swash Channel currently has a declared depth of 6m below CD
and is 150m wide.
4.14.10 Within the Harbour entrance, tidal flows can be significant with a tidal race in the vicinity
of the chain ferry. A dog-leg in the channel is created at this point, due to the presence
of a small bank to the south of the channel at buoy No. 14 and Chapman’s Peak (a
shoal off Sandbanks) to the north.
4.14.11 The entrance can be very congested, especially in fine weather during the summer
weekends. The tidal stream is strong, especially on spring tides, and conditions can be
exacerbated in situations where the wind is against the tide, which creates a steep chop.
4.14.12 When past the Harbour entrance, large vessels are required to make an 80º turn to
starboard to proceed northwards through Brownsea Roads towards the Middle Ship
Channel. The channel widths in this area vary between 300m and 275m. Due to tidal
streams, vessels normally maintain about 10 knots in order to maintain steerage way.
4.14.13 The Middle Ship Channel runs in a direction 293°/113° from Aunt Betty (50 buoy) to
Diver (51 buoy). The channel is 80m wide. At the port, Middle Ship Channel opens out
into the Turning Basin. The basin is approximately 250m wide and vessels normally turn
to port when swinging.
4.14.14 The North Channel is not maintained by dredging and is used by commercial shipping
only in an emergency.
4.14.15 PHC recommend that recreational craft take particular care when navigating within and
close to the main navigation channels and avoid impeding larger vessels that can
navigate only within these channels.
4.14.16 All navigational marks in Poole Harbour conform to International Association of Marine
Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Region 'A' System of Buoyage and
are positioned as shown in the latest editions of Admiralty Charts.
4.14.17 The speed limit in the main navigation channels is 10 knots between 1 April and 30
September. The speed limit is relaxed in the Middle Ship Channel and Wareham
Channel outside these dates but not relaxed through the harbour entrance where the
speed limit remains at 10 knots all year. The speed limit in the Little Channel, Holes Bay
and South Deep Quiet Area is 6 knots all year. Some vessels are exempt from the
speed limits (e.g. vessels operated by the harbour patrol, police, RNLI and coastguard).
4.14.18 In addition to the speed limits, Poole Harbour Byelaw 2(a) requires: “every vessel shall
be navigated with care and caution and at such speed and in such a manner as not to
endanger the lives of or cause injury or be a nuisance to persons or endanger the safety
of or cause damage to other vessels, moorings, buoys, beacons or other property”.
4.14.19 Vessel movements within Poole Harbour are controlled by a Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS) operated by PHC. The VTS station is manned on a 24 hour basis with a
continuous watch on VHF channel 14. Vessels underway within the Harbour and
approaches are required to maintain a continuous VHF radio listening watch on channel
14.
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4.14.20 The following categories of vessel are subject to compulsory pilotage:
• all vessels of 50m or more in overall length;
• all vessels of 30m or more in overall length, or 10m overall beam, carrying more
than 12 passengers;
• commercial vessels with an overall length of between 30mtrs and 50mtrs, carrying
or likely to carry, dangerous goods or hazardous substances; and
• dredgers / hoppers barges of 50mts or more in overall length.
Receptors Likely to be Affected by the Proposed Development
• navigation of vessels, particularly where navigation entails passage along or
crossing of the harbour entrance, Middle Ship Channel, Little Channel and port
berths and manoeuvring areas; and
• indirect effects on Poole Harbour in general due to increase in use of Harbour by
watercraft.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.14.21 A recent study by the Department for Transport (Ref.39) considered marine incidents
(i.e. collisions, contacts, near misses, capsizes, groundings, pollution, mechanical
failures and persons overboard) in harbour waters between 2005 and 2009. PHC, along
with 11 other ports, contributed to this study and identified that few incidents (slightly
above 10%) occurred within the port’s berthing area and most incidents (almost 90%)
occurred in Poole Harbour. The study found that primary factors leading to incidents
were found to be poor vessel navigation and equipment failure. It was also found that
the density of recreational traffic is greatly increased in the summer months, which is a
likely contributing factor to the number of incidents in good conditions.
4.14.22 In relation to the proposals for the Port of Poole, this study suggests that incidents are
more likely to be associated with the navigation of recreational vessels than commercial
vessels, and are more likely to occur in the Harbour than in and around the port itself.
4.14.23 During construction there is the potential for incidents to occur as a result of the
presence of ongoing harbour works and dredging and other construction plant in the
water. As with all construction works taking place in the marine environment, standard
measures will be in place to reduce the navigation risk to other vessels; for example, the
construction works will be appropriately marked, construction plant will be appropriately
lit, Notices to Mariners will be issued, etc.
4.14.24 During the operational phase, the potential for navigation incidents will be associated
with the increase in commercial vessel traffic generated by the new port facilities (e.g.
cruise ships, wind turbine delivery and installation vessels, etc) and the recreational
vessel traffic and events generated by the new marina facilities (e.g. more sailing and
cruising boats, more regattas and races). For all new port features including the quays,
breakwaters, dredged channels, etc, PHC will install appropriate navigation marks in
accordance with advice from Trinity House and IALA requirements. New features and
marked will be updated on Admiralty Charts and advised via Notices to Mariners.
4.14.25 PHC, as the harbour authority and harbour control, will be responsible for ensuring that
all standard navigation requirements are in place, maintained and enforced. If
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necessary, PHC might have to update the Port’s Safety Management System (SMS)
and VTS. It is PHC’s policy to educate mariners in relation to the safe management of
activities in the harbour but, if necessary, PHC has powers to make byelaws. As part of
the EIA process, the Harbour Master will be consulted and new aids to navigation, PHC
policies, etc will be documented.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.14.26 The approach to assessment of the potential impacts on navigation will be to discuss the
key navigation issues with the Harbour Master and PHC’s pilots. This consultation
process will establish the level of concern over the potential impacts and reveal any
measures, in addition to those measures that are already in place, that are considered
necessary in order to ensure the safe navigation of both commercial and recreational
vessels.
4.14.27 It is anticipated that a navigation risk assessment (NRA) will not be required to inform
the EIA process.
4.15 Coastal Protection and Flood Defence
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.15.1 The Coast Protection Act 1949 provides Maritime District Councils such as BPC with
permissive powers to carry out coastal protection works. Both the Maritime District
Councils and the Environment Agency have powers to carry out defence works.
Protection works are promoted by the operating authorities where there is a community
benefit.
4.15.2 The main coastal and flood defences within Poole Harbour are made up of
embankments. The exceptions are the small amount of rock armour with steel piled
defences fronting the buildings on the eastern end of Brownsea Island and a defence
structure around the south shore of Brownsea Island (built 30 to 40 years ago) which is
to be removed (Ref.12).
4.15.3 In general, the number of community assets and properties affected by river and tidal
floods varies between years. There is significant fluvial and tidal flood risk in Poole with
up to 2000 properties at risk of flooding (Ref.12). The influence of a coastal flood event
on the communities of Poole Harbour was highlighted in March 2008 when peak tides
caused water levels to rise in Holes Bay which threatened new developments and
electricity substations, water levels increasing to flood defence levels at Hamworthy
Park and flooding at Brownsea Quay (Ref. 12). Flood incident management is provided
in the form of tidal flood warnings to properties.
4.15.4 Perhaps the most significant long term issue which will affect the future of shoreline
management in Poole Harbour will be climate change. Climate change is now an
accepted phenomenon and is predicted to result in significant changes to following the
UK in the 21st century. This is due to changes in rainfall patterns and increased in sea
levels. Changes in rainfall patterns could result in changes in the intensity and
frequency of storm events and the depth and duration of seasonal rainfall.
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4.15.5 The possible impacts of climate change are still being investigated but recent research
completed by Defra and the Environment Agency has indicated that the increase in daily
precipitation for the South West Region is likely to be of the order of 10% to 25% during
the winter season (Ref. 40). During the summer, indications are that a reduction in
daily rainfall of 10 to 50% combined with more intense stormier rainfall events could
potentially exacerbate existing flooding issues.
4.15.6 In terms of sea level rise, the latest information recommends adopting 6mm per year for
scheme appraisal (Ref.41).
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
• Hamworthy Park;
• Holes Bay; and
• Area around the Port of Poole.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.15.7 During the construction phase the existing embankments located around the study area
could be affected thereby increasing the risk of flooding to the area.
4.15.8 During the operational phase as a result of the dredging and new marine infrastructure,
there is the potential for changes to the hydrodynamic and sedimentary regime of the
Harbour to occur. These changes could potentially alter flood risk and impact on the
standard of defence currently offered.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.15.9 It is anticipated that the proposed Master Plan will require a Flood Risk Assessment
(FRA). Therefore as part of the EIA, an FRA will be undertaken in line with guidance
provided in the Planning Policy Statement Note 25 (PPS25): Development and Flood
Risk (2006). The study will include an assessment of the potential flood risk associated
with the development in the immediate area but will also consider the potential impact
on flood risk in surrounding areas. The assessment of these potential impacts will be
informed by the findings of the hydrodynamic studies described in Section 4.1. In
addition, shoreline management plans available for the area will be consulted.
4.16 Recreation and Amenity
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.16.1 Tourism to Poole is estimated to bring in £170 million a year to the local economy, with
Poole Harbour and the bay being popular destinations for tourists and recreational water
activities. These include:
• Yachting – It is estimated that approximately 5000 yachts visit the Harbour every
year and eight yacht clubs are present within the Harbour with over 7500 members.
• Moorings – There are approximately 2,300 swinging moorings within the Harbour as
well as around 2,300 sheltered marina and pontoon berths. In addition, there are
360 moorings along the River Frome, downstream of South Bridge at Wareham,
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which are managed independently of those that fall within the jurisdiction of PHC.
• Windsurfing – This is predominantly undertaken in Whitley Lake but more
experienced windsurfers launch from Hamworthy and enjoy the open waters of the
western Harbour.
• Kitesurfing – This activity is generally centred around the windsurfing area.
• Waterskiing and wakeboarding - The designated water ski area is in the Wareham
Channel and boats are encouraged to launch from the public slipway at Baiter.
• Personal watercraft – This includes jet skis or water bikes and is undertaken in a
designated area to the north of Brownsea Island. Again launching is encouraged
from the public slipway at Baiter.
• Swimming – swimming is more common at the large sandy beaches outside of the
Harbour but some swimming although not recommended has been observed from
the smaller sandy beaches (notably Hamworthy).
• Other water based activities - Rowers and canoeists also use the Harbour and there
are several clubs, particularly around the Hamworthy area. Recreational diving also
takes place within the Harbour.
• Wildfowling - The Dorset Wildfowlers’ Association for Shooting and Conservation
(DWASC) undertake their activities in the south and west of the Harbour. Generally
only about 40-50 permits are issued to members each year and the numbers of such
permits can be restricted if necessary.
4.16.2 As a result, a large number of slipways, marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs are active
within the Harbour. The main public Harbour access is via the public slipway at Baiter
but other small craft such as water ski boats can also be launched from Lake Road at
Hamworthy. Many boatyards also offer launch sites and facilities that can be used by
members of the public for the payment of a fee. As part of the Poole Bridge
Regeneration project improvements are planned for Slipway and Whittles Way. The
improvements to Slipway will be undertaken ahead of the construction of Twin Sails
Bridge providing racks for tenders and replacement of the current steps with a slip into
the Back Water Channel.
4.16.3 Of relevance to the proposed development is the Poole Yacht Club which is on the
western side of the port, the Port of Poole Marina, on the eastern side of the port and
the Poole Quay Boat Haven, on the northern side of the Little Channel. On the western
side of Holes Bay are Cobbs Quay and Davis’ Boatyard.
4.16.4 Management of recreational activities is undertaken using a zoning scheme first
introduced by the Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan (Ref.11). The use of these
zones assists in the reduction of disturbance to environmentally sensitive areas and in
the dangers associated with the mixing of powered and non-powered craft. Zones are
identified for water-skiing, personal watercraft and windsurfing, with the south of the
Harbour being designated as a quiet zone (See Figure 4.5). As well as zoning, the use
of personal watercraft and water-ski boats are also regulated through a permit scheme
and access is restricted to specific launch points around the Harbour (Ref.11).
4.16.5 A chain ferry operates daily across the harbour entrance, between South and North
Haven Point, and water taxis also operate in the Harbour.
4.16.6 Annual Watercraft Activity surveys are carried out to monitor the usage of the Harbour
and to identify trends in activity from year to year. The 2010 summer survey indicates
that the most popular types of vessels are cruisers, speed-boats and yachts, with
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approximately 50,000 vessels counted during June to August 2010. Other vessels,
making up the remainder of the recreational activities include fishing, RNLI and diving
boats, as well as dinghies, canoes and RIBs.
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Plate 4.5 Vessel and recreation zones identified within Poole Harbour
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4.16.7 In respect to usage of the Harbour, the areas that were visited most by watercraft were
Sandbanks Studland and Brownsea Island (the south side). Questionnaires indicate
that people visit the Harbour due to locality to home, visual amenity, launching facilities
and the sheltered water within the Harbour as well as the clean beaches and the size of
the harbour enabling minimal conflicts between users. In addition, the study indicates
that most people are aware of the wildlife in the harbour and are keen to learn more
about this aspect. Most people were aware of the zoning in the harbour, but some
thought that it should be promoted more in the busier summer months.
4.16.8 During the winter, data collected from Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay indicates that
watercraft activity is mostly recorded in Lytchett Bay, with the majority of vessels likely to
be clam fishing. The study also highlighted that watercraft speeds vary across the
Harbour, with higher speeds apparent in the North and Middle Ship Channels and much
lower speeds behind the islands and around Wareham Channel.
4.16.9 Visitors are also attracted to the area by the natural coastal scenery and beaches. The
beaches within Poole Harbour and Poole Bay are particularly popular and form a major
attraction for both residents and visitors. The nearest beach used by the public is
located at Hamworthy however this area is not designated under the Bathing Waters
Directive. The nearest designated bathing water is Poole Harbour Lake located
approximately 1.5km from the proposed development.
Receptors likely to be affected by the development
4.16.10 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• Disruption to recreational vessels and activities during construction;
• Moorings displaced and/or lost at the Port of Poole Marina, Poole Yacht Club and/or
Poole Quay Boat Haven;
• Increase in recreational activities and commercial operations due to improved
facilities; and
• Potential hydrodynamic impacts on erosion and siltation, particularly in relation to
beach use at Hamworthy and on the north of Brownsea Island.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.16.11 During the construction period, there is the potential for marine plant to be present in
areas currently used by recreational craft and in areas currently used by recreational
craft as access (for example in the Little Channel used to provide access to Holes Bay).
There may also be noise associated with construction plant that may increase noise
levels at Hamworthy beach.
4.16.12 Depending on the development options taken forward by PHC, existing moorings at the
Port of Poole Marina, Poole Yacht Club and/or Poole Quay Boat Haven could be
displaced and/or lost. The creation of new marina facilities will mean that there will be a
net increase in moorings available for recreational vessels such that existing holders of
moorings should only have the inconvenience of moorings being displaced rather than
lost.
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4.16.13 During the operational phase, there could potentially be impacts associated with siltation
of areas currently used for recreational activity. This will be informed by the
hydrodynamic modelling that will be undertaken in order to inform potential impacts on
coastal processes. There will however be some benefits to recreational activity as
significant improvements in facilities will be made available through construction of the
marine centre and marina. Any increase in numbers of craft using the marina could
however, cause conflict with existing users.
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.16.14 The effects due to the presence of marine plant (including dredgers) will be investigated
by identifying the number and type of vessels and equipment that will be required during
the works, the duration for which they will be required and their location. This
information will be used to determine any restrictions that will be required during the
proposed works. The information undertaken in order to inform the noise assessment
will also inform potential impacts on areas currently used for recreational activities such
as Hamworthy Beach.
4.16.15 Although it is anticipated that moorings will be displaced rather than lost, consultation
will take place with PHC (as owners and operators of the Port of Poole Marina and
Poole Quay Boat Haven) and other stakeholders to assess the impact (e.g.
inconvenience) of displacement and how best this can be managed.
4.16.16 The effects of any hydrodynamic changes associated with operation of the proposed
Master Plan will be investigated as part of the hydrodynamic assessment and the results
used to inform potential impacts on recreation and amenity. The increase in watercraft
numbers will also be assessed and compared to the current use of the area although as
detailed in Section 2, significant increases in vessel numbers are not anticipated.
4.17 Socio-Economics
Baseline Environment and Receptors
4.17.1 The port is an important local and regional asset which supports direct and indirect
employment of over 600 people. The port directly employs 90 individuals and there are
a further 450 people employed on the port estate. It also makes a significant
contribution to the economy of the area by indirectly supporting many thousands of
additional jobs within Poole, Dorset and the South-West as well as providing an
essential link to industrial markets in other regions of the UK, such as the manufacturing
sector in the West Midlands.
4.17.2 In addition, the Harbour and its shores also support many other industries of differing
scales. A number of local companies, boatyards, marinas and sail lofts are located
around the Harbour and offer services to both commercial and recreational mariners.
As discussed in Section 4.7 above, the Harbour is also home to a large commercial
fishing fleet. Other users include Sun seeker which operate from deepwater frontages,
the Royal Marines which carry out much of their assault craft training in and around the
area and the RNLI which operate their headquarters and training college at a water front
in Holes Bay. Europe’s largest onshore oil field is also situated within the Harbour
which area used to exploit oil deposits under Poole Bay.
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4.17.3 It is therefore important that existing water front sites are available for marine related
industries as these industries contribute towards the economic and social health of the
Harbour. The Harbour and its hinterland also support an important tourism industry
which brings substantial revenue to the region.
4.17.4 Currently work is being carried out on the economic impact of the various projects
however it is estimated that all of the Master Plan projects combined could potentially
deliver 300/400 full time jobs (through direct and indirect employment) within Poole and
Dorset. Additionally, the combined projects have the potential of injecting up to £25
million annually into the local economy.
Receptors Likely to be Affected by the Proposed Development
4.17.5 The following receptors are likely to be affected by the proposed development:
• employment, potentially through the potential creation of temporary and permanent
jobs;
• local economy, potentially positively and negatively during construction; and
• local economy, potentially positively as workers and visitors will spend within the
local area.
Identification of Potential Environmental Issues
4.17.6 During the construction phase temporary jobs will be created within the port in order to
complete the works. This will have a knock-on effect within the local area as workers
will provide a source of income to local businesses.
4.17.7 During the operational phase, there is the potential for a beneficial impact in relation to
the creation of more permanent jobs in addition to the maintenance of existing jobs
within the port. The port’s role in contributing the local economy will also be
strengthened. Indirectly, there will also be a beneficial effect on tourism and related
industries through increased revenue
Methodology and Approach to EIA
4.17.8 The implications of the proposed Master Plan on the local socio-economic situation will
be calculated and assessed as part of the EIA process.
4.18 Cumulative Effects Assessment
4.18.1 The ES will also consider the cumulative implications of the proposed port development
cumulatively with other relevant and reasonably foreseeable plans or projects. Initial
guidance was sought from consultees regarding the scope of the cumulative
assessment and it is proposed that the assessment should include the following plans or
projects:
• Twin Sails Bridge;
• Options being considered under local plans (such as the proposal for housing
development);
• Options being considered under the Shoreline Management Plan 2; and
• Other ongoing maintenance dredging activities throughout Poole Harbour.
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5 PROPOSED SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1 EIA Methodology
5.1.1 The proposed methodology for carrying out the EIA is illustrated in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Methodology for EIA
Stage Task Aim/Objective Work / Output (Examples)
Scoping study Scoping To identify the potentially significant
effects of the new lifeboat station
proposals (off and on-site)
Preliminary consultation with key
consultees
Targets for specialist studies (e.g.
landscape and archaeology)
Consultation Consult with statutory and non-
statutory organisations with an interest
in the area and scheme
Local knowledge and information
Primary Data
Collection
To identify the
baseline/ambient/background/ existing
environment
Background data including existing
literature and specialist studies
Specialist studies To further investigate those
environmental parameters which may
be subject to potentially significant
effects
Specialist reports (e.g. landscape
and archaeology)
Impact
Assessment
To evaluate the Baseline Conditions in
terms of sensitivity
To evaluate and predict the impact
(i.e. magnitude) upon the baseline
To assess the resultant effects of the
above impacts (i.e. determine
significance)
Series of significant adverse and
beneficial impacts
Mitigation
measures
To identify appropriate and practicable
mitigation measures and enhancement
measures
The provision of solutions to adverse
impacts (e.g. sensitive scheduling to
avoid noise and traffic impacts)
Feedback into the design process,
as applicable
EIA
Environmental
Statement
Production of the Environmental
Statement in accordance with EIA
Guidance
Environmental Statement
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5.2 Consultation
5.2.1 Consultation plays a pivotal role in the developer’s EIA process between scoping and
preparing the ES. Without a comprehensive approach towards consultation it is not
possible to integrate information and views which are vital to the sustainable
development of the proposed lifeboat station.
5.2.2 Although some consultation has already been carried out, consultation will be continued
during the EIA process, principally to inform additional consultees of the proposal, to
identify available information and to identify issues and concerns. Consultees will
include, but not be limited to:
• Borough of Poole Council;
• Cefas;
• Chamber of Shipping;
• Crown Estate;
• Dorset County Council;
• Dorset Wildlife Trust;
• English Heritage;
• Environment Agency;
• Highways Agency;
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency;
• National Trust;
• Natural England;
• Network Rail;
• Poole and District Fishermen’s Association;
• Poole Harbour Commissioners (Harbour Master);
• Poole Passenger Boat Operators;
• Poole Yacht Club;
• Poole Yachting Association;
• RSPB;
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA);
• Southern Sea Fisheries Committee;
• Trinity House.
5.2.3 On-going consultation will be carried out with consultees to discuss results of initial
findings, agree survey methodology where necessary and discuss mitigation proposals.
5.3 Investigations for the EIA
5.3.1 In summary, the following specialist studies are planned as part of the EIA:
• Hydrodynamic and coastal process modelling;
• Sediment sampling;
• Marine ecology sampling;
• Marine waterbird surveys;
• Phase 1 habitat survey;
• Phase 1 contaminated land desk-based study;
• Baseline noise survey; and
• Landscape and visual impact assessment.
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5.4 Content of the Environmental Statement
5.4.1 The ES is a formal report that documents the findings of the EIA process. The ES is
likely to take the form of:
• A non-technical summary;
• Project introduction, including a statement of need and a description of the EIA
process, with details on screening, scoping, consultation and impact assessment;
• Detailed description of the proposed works, including the alternative
options/locations considered, and reasons for selecting the preferred option;
• Detailed description of the baseline environment;
• Detailed description of the potential impacts and mitigation measures identified
during the EIA process for each of the environmental issues under consideration.
This part of the ES will cover both the construction and operational phases of the
scheme and both beneficial and adverse impacts;
• Description of implications of the scheme for the European sites and any effects in-
combination with other plans or projects;
• Summary of findings, including a table showing predicted impacts and residual
impacts following mitigation;
• A list of references of information and publications cited in the ES; and
• Appendices, containing all survey information and reports that may be produced
during the undertaking of the EIA process.
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6 HABITATS REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT: INFORMATION TO INFORM SCREENING OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON A EUROPEAN SITE
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 As set out in Section 2.4 of this Screening and Scoping Report, the Port of Poole
Master Plan will be located outside, but very close to, the Poole Harbour SPA and
Ramsar boundary. Therefore, and as advised by Natural England, it is possible that
certain aspects of the proposed development could have the potential to interact with
and have an effect upon one or more of the ecological interests that form part of the
designated features of this European site. The legal requirement for HRA is set out in
Section 2.4.
6.1.2 Accordingly, this part of the report describes the HRA process and provides a
preliminary screening of the potential for the Master Plan to have likely significant effects
on the qualifying features of the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar Site. It is intended that
this information can be used by the competent authority to inform a determination of
likely significant effect and whether appropriate assessment is required.
6.2 Habitats Regulations Assessment Process
Methodology
6.2.1 The Department of Communities and Local Government’s guidance on Planning for the
Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment (Ref.42) recommends a three
stage process for Habitats Regulations Assessment; as described in Table 6.1. All
three stages of the process are referred to cumulatively as the Habitat Regulations
Assessment, to clearly distinguish the whole process from the second stage within it,
which is referred to as the appropriate assessment.
Table 6.1 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Process (Ref.42)
Name of
Stage
Description
1 Screening Determining whether the plan or project either alone or in combination
with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on a
European site (or sites).
2 Appropriate
assessment
Determining whether, in view of the European site’s conservation
objectives, the plan or project either alone or in combination with other
plans or projects would have an adverse effect (or risk of this) on the
integrity of the site. If not, the plan can proceed.
3 Mitigation
and
alternatives
Where the plan or project is assessed as having an adverse effect (or
risk of this) on the integrity of a site, there should be an examination of
mitigation measures and alternative solutions. If it is not possible to
identify mitigation and alternatives it will be necessary to establish the
imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI). This is not
considered a standard part of the process and will only be carried out in
exceptional circumstances.
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Screening Process
6.2.2 Likely significant effect is, in this context, any effect that may be reasonably predicted as
a consequence of a plan or project that may affect the conservation objectives of the
features for which the site was designated, but excluding trivial or inconsequential
effects.
6.2.3 In determining significance the assessment should also take note of the Waddenzee
Ruling in which the European Court of Justice (Case C-127/02) said:
“…any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of
the site is to be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in
view of the site’s conservation objectives if it cannot be excluded, on the basis of
objective information, that it will have a significant effect on that site, either individually or
in combination with other plans or projects” [and that a plan or project may only be
authorised] “where no reasonable scientific doubt remains as to the absence of such
effects”.
6.2.4 If screening identifies a likely significant effect, the second stage of the process -
appropriate assessment - is required. If screening identifies no potential for a likely
significant effect, the second stage of the process is not required.
6.3 Proposed Port Development and Other Plans and Projects
Proposed port Development under the draft Master Plan
6.3.1 The proposed port development will be located outside of but adjacent to the Poole
Harbour SPA and Ramsar Site (see Figure 3.1).
6.3.2 A description of the proposed development is also provided in Section 2.
Other Plans and Projects
6.3.3 An appropriate assessment must also consider the implications of a plan or project both
alone and in combination with other plans or projects for the conservation objectives of a
European site. Initial guidance was sought from Natural England regarding the scope of
the in combination assessment and it is proposed that the assessment should include
the following plans or projects:
• Twin Sails Bridge;
• Options being considered under local plans (such as the proposal for housing
development);
• Options being considered under the Shoreline Management Plan 2; and
• Other ongoing maintenance dredging activities throughout Poole Harbour.
6.4 Information on the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar Site
6.4.1 The following paragraphs provide a general description of the Poole Harbour SPA and
Ramsar site and its qualifying interest features with the potential to be affected by the
proposed port development.
6.4.2 Poole Harbour is designated because it supports internationally important populations of
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Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 93 October 2011
regularly occurring species classified as Annex 1 under the Birds Directive. These are
birds that are in danger of extinction, rare or vulnerable and are the subject of special
conservation measures concerning their habitat. Annex 1 species in Poole Harbour are
the Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus and the
Common Tern Sterna hirundo. In addition, internationally important populations of
regularly occurring migratory Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, and Shelduck (Tadorna
tadorna are also present.
6.4.3 In terms of the Ramsar site, it is designated because it regularly supports 20,000
waterfowl and over 1% of the Great Britain population of avocet, black tailed godwit,
common tern, Mediterranean gull and shelduck. Poole Harbour supports an appreciable
assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species including a nationally scarce
hydroid species Hartlaubella gelatinosa and nationally rare sponge Suberites massa and
is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of a region
because of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fauna including supporting the
nationally scarce plants, narrow leaved eelgrass Zostera augustifolia and dwarf eelgrass
Zostera noltii. Poole Harbour also supports internationally important habitats including a
bar built estuary with lagoonal characteristics, Meditteranean and thermo-Atlantic
halophilus scrub, calcareous fens and transitional habitats between saltmarsh and to
mire.
6.4.4 The following assessment for the proposed Master Plan aims to provide the information
required to enable a screening of likely significant effects and a decision by the regulator
(i.e. the MMO) as to whether the second stage of the Habitats Regulations Assessment
process - an appropriate assessment – is required in accordance with Article 6(3) of the
Habitat Directive.
6.5 Screening of Likely Significant Effect
Presence and Distribution of the Qualifying Interest Features
6.5.1 The qualifying features of the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar are detailed in Section
6.4 above. The SPA conservation objectives focus on habitat condition in recognition
that bird populations may change as a reflection of national or international trends or
events. The conservation objectives refer to maintaining habitats in a favourable
condition and the Regulation 35(3) advice document, issued by Natural England,
contains a table providing information on how to recognise favourable condition for the
features and acts as a basis for the development of a monitoring programme. The
conservation objectives are set out below.
• Subject to natural change, maintain in favourable condition the habitats for the
internationally important populations of regularly occurring Annex 1 bird species,
under the European Birds Directive, in particular:
� Shallow inshore waters
� Inter-tidal sediment communities
� Saltmarsh
• Subject to natural change, maintain in favourable condition the habitats for the
Internationally important populations of regularly occurring migratory bird species,
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under the European Birds Directive, in particular:
� Shallow inshore waters
� Inter-tidal sediment communities
� Saltmarsh
� Reedbed
• Subject to natural change, maintain in favourable condition the habitats for the
internationally important assemblage of waterfowl, under the European Birds
Directive, in particular:
� Shallow inshore waters
� Inter-tidal sediment communities
� Saltmarsh
� Reedbed
6.5.2 The Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan (Ref.11) provides an overview of the
ecological interests of the Harbour. Plate 6.1 identifies the broad locations of saltmarsh,
reedbed and inter-tidal areas, which are qualifying features of the SPA and Ramsar site.
In addition, the Ramsar is also designated for the presence of Zostera beds; within the
Harbour these are restricted to two swaths in the Whitley Lake area. This lies between
Brownsea Island and Sandbanks.
6.5.3 Annual WeBS counts are carried out to monitor bird usage of the site. This has led to
the creation of bird sensitive zones for breeding and overwintering birds (see Plate 6.1).
None of these zones are located within the proposed Master Plan area. It should be
noted however, that bird activity will not be solely within these zones, and that there is a
high likelihood that Mediterranean Gull could be roosting in the breakwaters and waders
foraging on the foreshore adjacent to the port.
Construction and Operational Activities of the Proposed Port of Poole Master Plan
Development
6.5.4 A number of activities and their potential environmental impacts have been identified
within this Screening and Scoping report (see Section 4) that are of relevance to the
designated status of the Poole Harbour SPA and Ramsar Site.
6.5.5 During construction, the following activities may potentially impact on the SPA and
Ramsar:
• Piling, infilling and harbour works;
• Construction of infrastructure on inter-tidal and sub-tidal habitat; and
• Removal of existing breakwaters (should it be required).
During operation, the following activities may potentially impact on the SPA and Ramsar:
• Increased use of watercraft; and
• Presence of marine infrastructure.
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Plate 6.1 Map showing the inter-tidal habitats and Bird Sensitive Areas of Poole Harbour
(Ref.11).
Screening to Determine Potential for the Development to Influence the SPA and Ramsar
Qualifying Interest Features
6.5.6 On the basis of the known presence and distribution of the qualifying interest features
and the construction and operational activities of the proposed development (and their
potential impacts, as set out in Section 4), an initial high-level screening has been
undertaken to determine the potential for the construction activities to influence the
designated features.
6.5.7 Based on the information contained in this report the following conclusions can be drawn
about the potential for the proposed development to influence the SPAs designated
interest features:
• the physical footprint of all elements of the Master Plan will be situated outside the
SPA and Ramsar boundary and will not interact with the interest features;
• construction noise may impact on areas used by feeding and roosting water birds;
• during operation, there may be indirect hydrodynamic impacts which could potential
impact on habitats on which features of the SPA depend for food, roosting etc
• during operation, there may be indirect impacts of increased numbers of watercraft
which may cause disturbance to water birds using areas for feeding and roosting
Table 6.2 summarises the results of the screening assessment.
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Table 6.2 Designated Features with Potential for Interaction with the Port of Poole Master Plan
Interest feature / Ramsar criterion Sub Feature Potential for
Interaction with
the Project?
Comment
Poole Harbour SPA
All sub-features Yes There is the potential for short term disturbance to feeding and roosting
waterbirds due to noise from dredging and harbour works. Long term
effects could be associated with disturbance by increase in use of
watercraft.
Shallow inshore waters Yes Direct impact associated with construction of marine infrastructure (and
potential habitat loss). Indirect impacts possible in relation to changes
to hydrodynamics associated with dredging and construction and
operation of marine infrastructure.
Inter-tidal sediment
communities
Yes Direct impact associated with construction of marine infrastructure (and
potential habitat loss). Indirect impacts possible in relation to changes
to hydrodynamics associated with dredging and construction and
operation of marine infrastructure.
Saltmarsh Yes Indirect impacts possible in relation to changes to hydrodynamics
associated with dredging and construction and operation of marine
infrastructure. Direct impacts unlikely as habitat located away from the
proposed area of development.
Internationally important populations of
regularly occurring Annex 1 bird
species
Internationally important assemblage
including internationally important
populations of migratory species
Internationally important assemblage of
waterfowl
Reedbed (only applies to
migratory and waterfowl
features)
No Reedbed areas are located at significant distance from the proposals
and therefore interaction is deemed unlikely.
Poole Harbour Ramsar Site
Ramsar criterion 1
Bar-built estuary with lagoonal characteristics
Yes Direct impact associated with construction of marine infrastructure (and
potential habitat loss). Indirect impacts possible in relation to changes
to hydrodynamics associated with dredging and construction and
operation of marine infrastructure.
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Interest feature / Ramsar criterion Sub Feature Potential for
Interaction with
the Project?
Comment
Ramsar criterion 2
supports two species of nationally rare plant and one nationally rare
alga. There are at least
three British Red data book invertebrate species.
Yes
No
Indirect effects associated with increase vessel use of Middle Channel.
No significant impacts predicted on terrestrial ecological interests as
development located within the marine environment and on the port
estate.
Ramsar criterion 3
includes examples of natural habitat types of community interest.
(Mediterranean and thermo
Atlantic halophilous scrubs, transitions from saltmarsh through to
peatland mires)
The site supports nationally important populations of breeding
waterfowl (Common tern, Mediterranean gull). Over winter the site
also supports a nationally important population of Avocet.
No
No
Habitats are terrestrial and since all works relate either to areas within
the port estate or within the marine environment, impacts are unlikely.
Sites of Poole Harbour commonly used by these bird species for
breeding are not located in the near vicinity of the port and therefore
effects are deemed unlikely.
Ramsar criterion 5
Assemblages of international importance: The site supports > 20,000
birds
Yes Direct impact associated with construction of marine infrastructure (and
potential habitat loss). Indirect impacts possible in relation to changes
to hydrodynamics associated with dredging and construction and
operation of marine infrastructure.
Ramsar criterion 6
species/populations occurring at levels of international importance:
Common Shelduck and Black tailed godwit
No Sites of Poole Harbour commonly used by these bird species are not
located in the near vicinity of the port and therefore effects are deemed
unlikely.
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6.6 Assessment of screened project activities on designated features to determine potential likely significant effect
6.6.1 On the basis of the above, it is determined that the project could potential have a
significant effect on one or more of the interest features of the site. It is therefore
concluded that the proposals will need to undertake a full HRA in order to determine
whether there could potentially be an adverse impact on the integrity of the site.
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7 REFERENCES
1 Poole Harbour Commissioners (2011) http://www.phc.co.uk/masterplan/
2 Royal Haskoning (2009) Poole and Christchurch Bays Sediment Management Plan 2.
3 Department for Transport (2009) Draft National Policy Statement for Ports November 2009
4 Department for Transport (2009) Modernising Trust Ports Guidance (Second addition)
5 Poole Local Plan (2004) poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text00.htm
6 Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset Structure Plan (2000) www.boroughofpoole.com/downloads/assets/Dorset_County_Structure_Plan_2000.pdf
7 Poole Core Strategy (2009) www.boroughofpoole.com/downloads/assets/Core_Strategy_with_links.pdf
8 Marine Management Organisation (2011) Marine Licensing Guidance 2 Construction (including renewables) and removals July 2011.
9 Marine Management Organisation (2011) Marine Licensing Guidance 8 Environmental Impact Assessment April 2011
10 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2005) ODPM Circular 06/2005 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their impact within the Planning System.
11 Poole Harbour Steering Group (2007) Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan. Incorporating the European Marine Site Management Plan 2006
12 Royal Haskoning (2009) Poole and Christchurch Bays Sediment Management Plan 2.
13 Royal Haskoning (2004) Poole Harbour Approach Channel deepening and beneficial use of dredged material EIA
14 Gifford & Partners (2004) Second Opening Bridge Poole Environmental Statement
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
Environmental Screening & Scoping Report 100 October 2011
15 Underhill-Day, J., Underhill-Day, N., White, J. & Gartshore, N. (2010) Poole Harbour SSSI Condition Assessment
16 Environment Agency ‘Whats in my backyard’ (2011) www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37841.aspx
17 Food Standards Agency (2011) www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/shellfishltcguidance.pdf
18 Hubner, R. (2009) Sediment Chemistry – A case study approach. A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Bournemouth University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Phd)
19 Cefas (2000). The impact of Disposal of Marine Dredged Material on the Flamborough Head Candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC). November 2000
20 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (2002). Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Summary tables. Update. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg.
21 Poole Harbour Commissioners (2009) Seagrass leaflet
22 Collins (2008) Poole Harbour Channel post-deepening EIA studies 2006-2008 Report to Poole Harbour Commissioners
23 SSSI Citation Poole Harbour
24 Corkhill, J and Edwards, B 2006 Poole Harbour Saltmarsh Monitoring 2006 Dorset Environmental Records Centre
25 Seawatch Foundation (2011) www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
26 Shark Trust (2011) www.sharktrust.org
27 The Wetland Bird Survey (2011) www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs
28 Joint Nature Conservation Committee JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit.
29 Stace, C.A (1997) New Flora of the British Isles.
30 Dorset’s Important Geological Sites Group (2011) www.dorsetrigs.org.uk
Port of Poole Master Plan Poole Harbour Commissioners
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31 Swash Channel Wreck; 2006 season report Palma, P and Parham, D. Prepared for Poole Harbour Commissioners by Bournemouth University
32 Natural England (2011) www.naturalengland.org.uk
33 Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment
34 Borough of Poole (2011) www.poole.gov.uk
35 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2004). Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (published by the former Institute of Environmental Assessment (IEA; now the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)
36 Air Quality Consultants (2011) Further Assessment of Air Quality in the Commercial Road AQMA – Borough of Poole Council
37 DEFRA (2003) Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance TG(03).
London, The Stationary Office.
38 South West Regional Ports Association (SWRPA) (2011) www.swrpa.org.uk/
39 Poole Harbour Commissioners (2011) Marine Accidents in Harbour Waters: Results from the Marine Safety Pilot Study.
40 UKCIP02 (2002) UK Government Climate Impacts Programme 2002
41 FCDPAG4 (1999) Economic Appraisal
42 The Department of Communities and Local Government (2006) Guidance on Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment