Abstract
This report comprises the draft Environmental Appraisal in support of application for a Screening Opinion under The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007, for a tidal energy extraction scheme at Churchill Barrier 1 and/ or 2 and a wave overtopping solution at Churchill Barrier 2 only.
In this report the baseline environmental information has been collated and notable environmental features in the study area that have the potential to be affected by the proposed project have been identified. This report incorporates information obtained through a desk study exercise undertaken using readily available data sources and consultation with several organisations that hold information of relevance to this review. This information is then used to appraise the potential environmental benefits and impacts associated with the proposed scheme.
This report assesses the potential environmental impacts of all options at a high level for the opening one or both of the Barriers for a tidal energy scheme, in principle. Once the proposals have been fully developed and options have been designed and finalised full planning permission will be sought, supported by updated environmental assessments. The process is staged and based on the Rochdale Envelope1 approach in which there is a noted requirement for design flexibility during the process.
In summary, this report covers the following aspects:
- Provides background and scope of the proposed scheme.
- Identifies the existing key baseline environmental conditions of the study area.
- Appraises the potential significant environmental impacts of the proposed project on notable environmental features.
- Sets out recommendations for further environmental assessment work required should the project be taken forward into the design phase and full planning.
- Identifies the organisations that would need to be consulted with to inform the detailed design phase.