legacy cylinder facility - iema - home cylinder facility... · legacy cylinder facility...

LEGACY CYLINDER FACILITY ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

VOLUME 3

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY JULY 2015

Project no: 62001393 Date: July 2015

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff

The Victoria 150-182 The Quays Salford M50 3SP Tel: +44(0) 161 886 2489 Fax: +44(0) 161 886 2401 www.wspgroup.com www.pbworld.com

LEGACY CYLINDER FACILITY

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

VOLUME 3

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Capenhurst Nuclear Services

Q U A L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T

ISSUE/REVISION FIRST ISSUE REVISION 1 REVISION 2 REVISION 3

Remarks Draft Final

Date July 2015 November 2015

Prepared by Various Various

Signature

Checked by Nic Macmillan Nic Macmillan

Signature

Authorised by Andy Ricketts Andy Ricketts

Signature

Project number 62001393 62001393

Report number

File reference K:\E26 - Environmental Planning\PROJECTS\37391 LCF Capenhurst\05 Deliverables\03 ES\FINAL SUBMISSION - OCT 2015

K:\E26 - Environmental Planning\PROJECTS\37391 LCF Capenhurst\05 Deliverables\03 ES\FINAL SUBMISSION - OCT 2015

ii

Legacy Cylinder Facility WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Volume 3 – Non-Technical Summary July 2015

P R O D U C T I O N T E A M

WSP | PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF

Project Director

Andrew Ricketts [email protected]

0121 352 4767

Project Manager

Nic Macmillan [email protected]

+44 (0) 7785 388256

mailto:[email protected]


iii

Legacy Cylinder Facility WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Volume 3 – Non-Technical Summary July 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................1

THE PROPOSED SCHEME ........................................................................2

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ....................................................................4

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? ......................................................................... 10

1

Legacy Cylinder Facility WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff 62001393 July 2015

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW

Capenhurst Nuclear Services Limited (CNS) is applying for planning permission to construct and operate a Legacy Cylinder Facility (LCF). The purpose of the LCF is to reduce the hazard associated with Uranium Hexafluoride UF6 (called Tails material) by treating it and then transferring it to new cylinders (from the old cylinders). The LCF would be constructed by 2020 and would then operate for 25 years.

As part of the planning process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken to understand the potential environmental effects that the new scheme may have on the surrounding environment and residents during both the construction and operation.

Compliance with local planning policy is addressed within the Planning Statement which has been submitted as part of the planning application.

WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT?

An EIA is a process that identifies the key environmental effects of a development and suggests ways that these effects can be reduced / managed. It is required by law for large developments that have the potential to cause a lot of different environmental effects. For this specific project the requirement for the EIA was a decision made by the local planning authority, Cheshire West and Chester County Council (CWaCC). The findings of this process are reported in a document called an Environmental Statement (ES), which will be in the public domain for anyone to review.

WHAT IS A NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY?

The full results of the EIA (baseline information, survey information and technical assessments) which support the planning application are available in two further volumes, one which presents the key outcome of the assessment with associated illustrations and another volume which contains all the detailed and highly technical reports that support the assessments. The findings are then summarised and presented in this Non-Technical Summary (NTS). This document is presented as a series of key questions and answers regarding the Proposed Scheme.

2


THE PROPOSED SCHEME

WHAT IS THE PROPOSED SCHEME?

Uranium enrichment1 was undertaken at the Capenhurst site over a period of 50 years, which

generated Uranium Hexafluoride UF6 (called Tails material). The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) requires the Tails material to be processed for future safe storage on the Capenhurst Site.

The purpose of the Proposed Scheme is therefore to reduce the hazard associated with Tails material by treating it and then transferring it to new compliant cylinders (from the old cylinders). Once the Tails material is in the new cylinders, it can then be taken to the Tails Management Facility (TMF). The TMF is already being constructed at the Capenhurst Site and will be used to change the material back to Uranium Oxide for safe storage. The Proposed Scheme would also address the treatment and disposal of waste and also the cleaning, cutting up and disposal of the empty old cylinders.

WHERE IS THE SITE?

The Proposed Scheme is located within the north eastern area of the URENCO UK Capenhurst site, approximately 4km west of Ellesmere Port and 5km from the edge of Chester to the southeast, immediately to the north of Capenhurst village and to the east of Ledsham village. The Site would cover an area of approximately 91,000m

2.The location of the Site is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Location of Proposed Scheme

1 The uranium enrichment process increases the amount of uranium atoms that can then be used to release

energy. That energy can then be used to produce electricity.

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary/atom.html

3


Currently the Site is occupied by a mixture of buildings, hard-standing areas for storage, existing fire water tanks, car parks and landscaped areas. The Site is owned by the NDA and leased to URENCO UK, and some of it is sub-leased to CNS.

The red line on Figure 2 shows the extent of the overall Site boundary.

Figure 2 Aerial View of the Site Boundary

WHY IS IT BEING BUILT HERE?

The Capenhurst site is a nuclear licensed site meaning that nuclear related activities operating on the site are undertaken in accordance with the safety and security provisions of the Nuclear Installations Act (NIA) 1965 (as amended). In accordance with established URENCO UUK Nuclear Site License arrangements, the Proposed Scheme would be licensed for construction and operation by the ONR on the basis that safety has been demonstrated.

The Tails material in their existing old cylinders cannot be transported (to be changed back into Uranium Oxide) or stored elsewhere, as other sites do not meet current nuclear transport related regulations.

WHEN WILL IT BE BUILT?

The construction of the Proposed Scheme would be delivered in three phases between 2015 and 2020. It is anticipated that the Proposed Scheme would be fully operational, following testing and commissioning, by the end of 2020.

WHO HAS BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT THIS DEVELOPMENT?

Consultation with the regulators, including CWaCC, the Environment Agency, Natural England (NE), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has been undertaken during the preparation of the planning application. A public exhibition was also held at Capenhurst and Ledsham Village Hall on Capenhurst Lane, on 10

June 2015.

4


ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

WHAT IS THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT LIKE IN AND AROUND THE SITE?

Currently the Site is occupied by a mixture of buildings, hard-standing areas for storage, existing fire water tanks, car parks and landscaped areas. The Site comprises a mix of habitats including individual trees, broad-leaved woodland, scrub, and areas of neutral grassland which has ecological value.

An unnamed watercourse flows west to east in a culvert beneath the Capenhurst site and flows in a broadly eastern direction to merge with the Rivacre Brook approximately 1.1km east of the Site. The Rivacre Brook flows in a north easterly direction to the Manchester Ship Canal, approximately 4km to the northeast of the Capenhurst site. The canal then feeds into the River Mersey.

The wider area surrounding the Capenhurst site is dominated by agricultural land interspersed with pockets of woodland, with residential areas further to the east (associated with Great Sutton and South Wirral), to the immediate west (associated with Ledsham village) and within Capenhurst to the immediate south. The main access route to the Capenhurst site is located to the south via Capenhurst Lane. A railway line runs along the eastern boundary of the Capenhurst site, with the Capenhurst Railway Station located adjacent to the southeast boundary of the site.

The main access route to the Capenhurst site is located to the south via Capenhurst Lane, which ultimately connects with the A5117 and the A41 Chester Road. There is no general access to the Site for the general public and all entry points are fully secure and policed.

The key environmental receptors considered within the ES are illustrated in Figure 3 overleaf.

Legacy Cylinder Facility, Capenhurst

The Dee Estuary SPA

The Dee EstuarySPA and RAMSAR

The Dee Estuary SAC

Mersey EstuarySPA/RAMSAR

Capenhurst

Ledsham

Sutton Green

River Dee and Bala Lake SAC

Deeside and BuckleyNewt Sites SAC

56

62001393PROJECT No:PROJECT: GH

NMARAJuly 2015

Drawn:Checked:

Approved:Revision:

Date:Capenhurst Nuclear ServicesClient:

KeyPlanning Application Boundary2km Search AreaLocal Widlife SiteSpecial Area of ConservationSpecial Protection Area (SPA)Wetland of International Importance(RAMSAR)Deciduous WoodlandTraditional OrchardsNo Main Habitat but Additional HabitatPresent

XW Air Quality UK BAP Receptors

XW Air Quality Residential Receptors#* Sensitive Receptors to Noise

Rivacre BrookCulvertNeutral GrasslandPublic Footpath (PRoW)Bridleway (PRoW)National Cycle Route 56 (On Road)National Cycle Route 56 (Off Road)North Cheshire WayVillagesCapenhurst Railway Station

±Scale @ A3 : 50,000 Figure 2.2Key Sensitive Receptors

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2015

UKRXC001

Text Box

Figure 3 : Key Environmental Receptors

6

Legacy Cylinder Facility WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Capenhurst Nuclear Services July 2015

WHAT EFFECT WILL THE NEW SCHEME HAVE ON THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK?

During the construction of the Proposed Scheme (by which point the construction of the TMF would have finished), there would be an increase in traffic on local roads. It is anticipated that there would be two peaks in construction activity, one in 2017 where HGV journeys would peak, and the other during 2019 where employment personnel journeys would be at their highest. However, CNS has committed to the implementation of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) which would include measures to reduce traffic as far as possible, such as agreed delivery hours and the use of certain routes. The detailed measures would be agreed with CWaCC and would minimise any negative effects. The operation of the Proposed Scheme is likely to generate 40 new jobs and the Proposed Scheme would be processing materials already stored within the existing Capenhurst Site. As a result, traffic generated during this phase is unlikely to be an issue that would raise local concern.

WILL THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE NEW SCHEME CAUSE A LOT OF NOISE?

Noise and vibration as a result of the construction activities on Site are unlikely to be an issue that would raise local concern, and has therefore not been specifically assessed.

Noise surveys / measurements were taken from the Site and the surrounding area at sensitive receptors to determine the background noise levels. The current noise environment at and within the vicinity of the Site is a mix of road traffic noise from the local road network, industrial noise (from the existing activities at the Capenhurst site) and occasional rail noise.

A detailed assessment has been undertaken for the local noise-sensitive receptors that may be affected by the Proposed Scheme. These include existing residential properties of Great Sutton situated to the east of the Site, existing residential properties of Capenhurst situated to the southeast and southwest, existing residential properties of Ledsham situated to the west, as well as the proposed future sensitive receptors within the vicinity of the Site.

Noise levels would temporarily increase along Capenhurst Lane during the time when HGV construction traffic would be at the highest in 2017. However, to ensure that best practice is adopted throughout the works to reduce noise levels to acceptable levels, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) would be implemented. This would include measures such as ensuring that best practicable means are adopted at all times to minimise noise levels, appropriate selection, maintenance and siting of machinery, and careful timing and routing of deliveries. In addition, traffic associated with the construction of the Proposed Scheme would be managed through the implementation of a CTMP.

The assessment of noise once the Proposed Development is completed looked at the potential disturbance to the residential receptors from noise generated by fixed plant and operational activities. There are not anticipated to be noise increases of local concern.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LOCAL AIR QUALITY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE NEW SCHEME?

Potential effects upon air quality as a result of the traffic generated as a result of the Proposed Scheme, during construction and operation, are unlikely to significantly worsen local air quality, and have therefore not been specifically assessed.

7


The area surrounding the Site is an area of good air quality as pollutant concentrations (nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (the finer fraction of dust)) are well below the relevant air quality objective levels within the vicinity of the Site.

The study area for the air quality assessment has been based on the criteria set out in air quality guidance documents and comprises sensitive receptors (people and ecology) close to the Site and along the routes that will be used by vehicles travelling to and from the Site. Consultation has been undertaken with the Environmental Health Officers at CWaCC to determine the scope of the assessment.

Sometimes on-site construction activities will temporarily generate dust and particulate matter. However, the CEMP would contain measures to minimise such effects as a result of the Proposed Scheme. Through using best practice measures, effects on and around the Site would be limited and no long-term effects from the dust are envisaged.

The Proposed Scheme incorporates three gas-fired boilers, with emissions exiting via two stacks, and one stack to emit the gas created during the process. The boilers would be low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) ones to make the emissions less polluting and a gas reduction system would be used on the process stack. The assessment of the stack emissions shows that they would not significantly worsen local air quality and would therefore not affect human health or sites of importance for ecology.

WHAT ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VIEWS ACROSS THE SITE?

The Proposed Scheme would be located on previously developed land within a larger industrial site. Additionally, electricity infrastructure, notably a large substation and pylons, is very prominent in the area immediately east of the Site. As such, the nature of the Proposed Scheme would be similar to its immediate surroundings. There are also trees and hedgerows present in the surrounding landscape, which will help to screen the Proposed Scheme.

As a result, it is considered that the landscape and views across the Site would not change sufficiently to generate local concern.

WHAT EFFECT WILL THE NEW SCHEME HAVE ON LOCAL WILDLIFE?

A number of ecological surveys were carried out at the Site by qualified ecologists. Surveys have been undertaken to determine habitat and vegetation types on Site, together with the likelihood of protected or notable species being present, and also to determine whether glow worms and reptiles were present on Site. It was agreed with CWaCC that surveys for great crested newts, breeding birds and bats were not necessary.

No reptiles were recorded on Site. However, glow worms were present, although these are not a legally protected species. The Site comprises areas of neutral grassland which contains bee orchid, which is a notable plant species. Approximately 0.9ha of this neutral grassland would be lost during the construction phase of the Proposed Scheme. However, the Proposed Scheme includes for 0.3ha of new habitat of this type, which would be managed in order to promote and concentrate biodiversity value on Site. A Landscape Masterplan is proposed as part of the Proposed Scheme, and has been designed to support the creation of new areas of neutral grassland. In addition, as a notable population of glow worm was recorded on Site, the Proposed Scheme includes for some measures to enhance glow worm populations within the new neutral grassland.

During the construction phase, there are not anticipated to be any effects upon breeding birds. Mitigation measures would ensure that all site clearance works would be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season. If this is not possible, site clearance would be undertaken with supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist.

8


WHAT ABOUT THE EFFECTS ON DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL SITES?

A desk top survey was undertaken at the outset of the project, which found that there are a number of internationally, nationally and locally designated ecological sites within close proximity of the Site which are shown in Figure 3.

A thorough assessment has been undertaken to identify the potential effects from the Proposed Scheme on these designated sites.

Designated ecological sites are not anticipated to be negatively affected by the Proposed Scheme during construction due to the use of best practice measures reducing construction dust effects and also measures to prevent pollution reaching local watercourses.

Similarly, during the operation of the Proposed Scheme, designated ecological sites are not anticipated to be negatively affected due to measures to prevent pollution reaching local watercourses. In addition, the assessment of the stack emissions shows that they would not significantly worsen local air quality and would therefore not affect sites of importance for ecology.

WHAT ABOUT FLOODING AT THE SITE?

The Site currently lies within Flood Zone 1 (low probability of flooding). During the construction phase, a temporary drainage system would be put in place to minimise the potential for flooding. In addition, measure such as a flood warning and evacuation plan and further groundwater monitoring would be implemented.

Similarly, for the operation of the Proposed Scheme, a drainage strategy would be implemented to minimise surface water flood risk. The existing surface water drainage system at the Capenhurst site has sufficient capacity to accommodate the extra demand required by the Proposed Scheme. Therefore, there is not likely to be a potential increase in flood risk during the operational phase.

WILL THE NEW SCHEME LEAD TO THE RELEASE OF CONTAMINATION?

Due to the underlying geology and soils at the Site, there is the potential for limited areas of ground gas, and localised contamination to be present. There is also a risk of release / migration of contamination to surface and groundwater during the construction phase of the Proposed Scheme. These could affect buildings and people using the Site. To reduce potential risks, mitigation measures are recommended, including use of good site practices during construction; additional ground investigation work; risk assessments; and localised remediation where required. Following incorporation of mitigation measures in accordance with current best practice and relevant guidance, it is considered that there are not likely to be any issues which cannot be resolved.

It is assumed that the additional ground investigation and remedial works, together with the implementation of the permanent drainage system, would have been completed prior to the operational phase. Therefore, contamination release during the operational phase is not anticipated.

WILL THE NEW SCHEME BRING NEW JOBS TO THE AREA?

During the construction phase is anticipated that the Proposed Scheme would create an estimated 450 jobs during the peak construction period. Once the Proposed Scheme is complete it is estimated that it would provide an additional 40 new posts.

In addition, it is anticipated that a further 581 jobs would be created within the local economy due to increased spending on goods, suppliers and services.

9


WHAT ABOUT THE WASTE GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT?

An assessment has been undertaken to identify the potential waste arising from on-site construction activities. There would be an increase in construction waste which would result in an increase in demand upon local waste management facilities. However, the waste management facilities within a 50km radius of the Capenhurst site have sufficient capacity to handle such waste. In addition, best practice would be adopted and a Site Waste Management Plan would be implemented, which would include commitments to waste minimisation and recycling.

During the construction of the Proposed Scheme, it has been assumed that there would be limited movement of materials to and from Site, as excavated earthworks would be used on Site where possible to meet any requirements for level changes needed. The movement of materials to, from and around the Site would be undertaken under a Materials Management Plan.

Waste generated once the Proposed Scheme is in operation, would be managed in accordance with an Integrated Waste Strategy, and measures to minimise the total quantity of waste generated would be applied.

WILL ANY OTHER PERMITS BE REQUIRED?

The operation of the Proposed Scheme would also require an environmental permit which means that it would be subject to ongoing supervision by regulators such as the Environment Agency. The environmental permit would ensure that the environment is protected in accordance with relevant legislation and that the Proposed Scheme operates within certain environmental targets to minimise negative effects.

10


WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The ES has been submitted along with other environmental documents to CWaCC for the councillors to make a decision on the planning application. During this period of determination, the Council will contact government bodies and agencies for advice on the new development. Members of the general public are also welcomed to make comments on the application during this time. The feedback from these discussions will be provided back to the project team to consider and address, and are taken into account by CWaCC in reaching the decision.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION?

Please contact the individuals below

Contact: Nic Macmillan – WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff

Address: The Victoria, 150-182 The Quays, Salford, Manchester, M50 3SP

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7785 388256

Contact: Andrew Ricketts - WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff

Address: One Queens Drive, Birmingham, B5 4PJ


Contact Number: 0121 352 4767

Contact: Alistair Yates - Axis

Address: Camellia House, 76 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5BB



Contact: Darren Kirk - CNS

Address: Capenhurst Lane, Chester, CH1 6ER






11


CAN I HAVE A COPY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT OR THIS NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY?

The ES will be available to view on line in the planning portal. Hard copies can be provided of the full document at a cost of £425 + VAT. Copies of the NTS can be provided on email at no cost from WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff for £20 for a hard copy.

legacy cylinder facility - iema - home cylinder facility... · legacy cylinder facility...

Documents