Volume 2 Written Statement Full (PDF 4 MB) - Vattenfall

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Environmental Report Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Works December 2012 • In-combination Impact Assessment • <strong>Statement</strong> of Significance • References 4.1.2 Terminology 205 In EIA’s, the terms ‘impact’ and effect’ can be used interchangeably, often leading to confusion. For this assessment, the following definitions have been applied: • IMPACT: any pressure on or change to the environment, attributable to the proposed development that has the potential to cause environmental effects (ie they are the cause of the effect) • EFFECT: the consequences or results of these changes on specific environmental receptors 206 In the case of each impact, the assessment aims to describe the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of each receptor. The combination of the impact, and the sensitivity of the receptor are then used to derive the significance of the effect. 4.1.3 Impact Assessment Methodology 207 The predictions of potential impacts covers three phases; construction, operation and decommissioning. During each phase of development difference environmental impacts are likely to arise. For example, during the construction phase, traffic volumes would be larger than during the operational phase of the substation. 208 Following a prediction of the possible type of impacts which might result from the development, the assessment then uses baseline information to predict changes to existing site conditions. The assessment addresses the nature, magnitude, duration and significance of the likely effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the onshore transmission works (substation facilities and underground cabling). 209 A variety of methodologies are commonly used to assess environmental effects, depending upon the subject area being assessed. All methods are based upon recognised good practice and on relevant IEMA and regulator guidelines, together with regulations and relevant planning advice notes. 210 In general, the effect that the substation and underground cabling would have on each environmental receptor would be influenced by a combination of the sensitivity of the environment/receptor and the predicted degree of change from the existing baseline conditions (both positive and negative). Environmental sensitivity can be categorised as either vulnerability to change from a particular activity or pressure, or it could be a measure of conservation value (eg rarity and statutory level of protection). 211 Within each technical chapter, the criteria for determining the significance of this change is made explicit: Chapter 4 ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL PROCESS, SCOPING AND CONSULTATION RESPONSES Page 42 of 211
Environmental Report Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Works December 2012 212 The impact significance is given as major, moderate, minor or negligible using the generic matrix in Table 4.2 as a guide in the assessment process. Not all assessments directly follow this but have used this as a guide.” TABLE 4.2 Matrix for Significance of Effect Magnitude of Impact Sensitivity of Receptor Very High High Medium Low Negligible Very High Major Major Major Moderate Minor High Major Major Moderate Minor Negligible Medium Major Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible 213 For the purposes of environmental assessments therefore, ‘effect’ is generally considered in terms of: • Negligible (Non-significant) – no detectable or material change to a location, environment/habitat or species; • Minor significance– a detectable but non-material change to a location, environment/habitat or species • Moderate significance – a material but non fundamental change to a location, environment/habitat or species • Major significance – a fundamental change to a location, environment/habitat or species 214 Each specialist has identified appropriate mitigation measures, after which there is an assessment of residual effects, after the mitigation has been applied. 215 In order to ensure consistency of assessment over all topics, any impact/effect which is stated as being of moderate or major significance is targeted with specific mitigation/management measures. These are designed to avoid, reduce and if possible, remedy the effect such that residual effects are reduced to insignificant levels 4.1.4 Cumulative Impacts 216 The proposed approach for the assessment of potential cumulative impacts is set out below. There are three possible types of cumulative impacts which may require consideration in the assessment of the onshore works across all topic areas. 4.1.4.1 Cumulative Impacts Arising with Other Schemes 217 At present, there are a number of schemes known in the local area that are at the planning stage or have received planning permission and scheduled to be constructed within or near to the timeframe of the onshore works. These include: Chapter 4 ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL PROCESS, SCOPING AND CONSULTATION RESPONSES Page 43 of 211
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