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BOC Immingham Dissolved Acetylene Project Environmental Statement: Vol. 2 Main Text
10. Ecology
Introduction
10.1 This chapter describes the potential effects of the Dissolved Acetylene Project on the nature
conservation interest of the proposed development area. It details the approach to the ecological
assessment, the methodologies used and identifies potential ecological impacts associated with
the construction and operation of the proposed development. It also presents the measures
incorporated into the scheme design to avoid or reduce ecological impacts. Potential cumulative
and in-combination impacts on nature conservation receptors due to planned developments are
discussed in Chapter 16.
10.2 This Chapter has been prepared based on the Project description information provided in
Chapter 3. Information from Chapters 6 (relating to air quality), 7 (relating to land quality), 8
(relating to water quality) and 11 (noise) has also been used in undertaking this assessment.
10.3 The key sensitive ecological features in the vicinity of the proposed development area are the
statutory designated sites of the Humber Estuary including the Humber Estuary SPA, SAC and
Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site), which support a range of habitats and species,
and which are particularly notable for the presence of internationally important populations of birds
as well as a wide range of foreshore habitats. The SPA, SAC and Ramsar site is underpinned by
the Humber Estuary SSSI.
10.4 Information to support a HRA Screening (required by Regulation 61 of The Conservation of
Habitats and Species Regulations 2010) on the likely significant effects of the proposed
development on the Humber Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar site by the competent authority
(NELC) has been produced separately 6 . A HRA Stage 2 AA 7 to determine whether there is the
potential for adverse effects on the integrity of the SPA and Ramsar site has also been prepared
and is presented in Appendix 10A.
Assessment Methodology and Significance
Criteria
Legislation and Policy
10.5 The design of the proposed development and the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) takes
account of the following legislation:
� The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010;
� Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);
� The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW Act) 2000; and
� The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
10.6 The EcIA also takes into account the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and PPS 9 Biodiversity
and Geological Conservation 64 .
10.7 Further details of relevant planning policies at national, regional and local levels are discussed in
Chapter 4 and are summarised in Appendix 4A. The conformity of the Dissolved Acetylene Project
with plans and policies is discussed in Chapter 17.
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