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BOC Immingham Dissolved Acetylene Project Environmental Statement: Vol. 2 Main Text
Conformity of Proposed Development
17.13 The EIA process is mandatory for the Project and inherently addresses many of the requirements
of PPS 9 in terms of assessing baseline geological characteristics and potential contamination
(PPS 23); then systematically exploring the potential for the Project to give rise to adverse effects.
A Conceptual Site Model (CSM) has been prepared to explore the potential effects of the Project
in respect of land contamination from construction and operation. This is supported by hazard
identification, risk estimation and evaluation, in accordance with the CLR approach advocated by
PPS 23.
17.14 Based on a combination of review of past and current activities on the site, site investigations for
the adjacent (existing) BOC site and the initial findings of the GI for the proposed site, no potential
sources of contamination have been identified to date.
17.15 The Site is believed to fall within Grade 3 of the agricultural land classification. Pre-application
discussions with the LPA in light of the implications in relation to PPS 7 indicate that the Local
Plan has addressed this issue by allocating sites for specific non- agricultural related uses, such
as the BOC site, as in certain areas NELC considers that such uses take priority over protecting
the best farming land. The assessment has therefore focused principally on the likely effects on
receptors arising from potential contamination sources associated with the Project construction
and operational phases.
17.16 The conclusions suggest very low risks during the construction phase. The CEMP will ensure
implementation of good practice techniques. Operation of the Dissolved Acetylene Project will be
controlled through the EA permitting regime and operational impacts are assessed as varying
from neutral to minor adverse at worst. Thus impacts of the Project in respect of Land Quality are
considered to fall within acceptable levels. The processes undertaken in terms of the assessment
and the resultant findings render the Project in conformity with the relevant policy requirements.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Key Policies
17.17 ‘PPS 23 Planning and Pollution Control’ covers a number of environmental topics, with a core
focus on contamination and the management of potentially polluting activities. The Annex to
PPS 23 provides detailed guidance on exploring the impacts of new development on, amongst
other matters, water quality. Policy GEN8: Protection of Water Resources of the Local Plan is
designed to ensure that development proposals do not give rise to an unacceptable threat to the
quality and or quantity of groundwaters or surface waters. The policy also seeks to ensure that
adequate water resources exist or will be provided to serve the development; and measures for
the conservation and recycling of water will be encouraged.
17.18 The forthcoming LDF Policy DM10 indicates that development should be:
� incorporating appropriate flood mitigation, and where necessary flood resilience measures; or
flood warning measures;
� incorporating sustainable drainage systems; and where appropriate, green infrastructure;
� adopting sustainable building techniques (including selection and sourcing of materials) that
promote water and energy efficiency and minimise waste through reduction and reuse; both
during the construction and lifetime of the development;...’
5100935.404 Environmental Statement August 2011 287