4 ENVIRONMENTAL impact assessment

VIRIDOR

Re-Phasing, Vertical and Lateral Extension with Enhanced Restoration and

Ecological Scheme at Pilsworth South Landfill Site

Scoping Report

September 2010

DATE ISSUED:

JOB NUMBER:

REPORT NUMBER:

September 2010

LE10698

J01

VIRIDOR

Re-Phasing, Vertical and Lateral Extension with Enhanced Restoration and Ecological

Scheme at Pilsworth South Landfill Site

Scoping Report

September 2010

PREPARED BY:

Sarah Henderson EIA Co-ordinator

Richard Kevan

APPROVED BY:

Principal Environmental

Scientist

Alison Mitchell Technical Director

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accept no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.

VIRIDOR

PILSWORTH SOUTH LANDFILL

SCOPING REPORT

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

2 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 4

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................ 5

4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .......................................................................... 8

5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT.................................................................................... 10

6 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION ........................................................................ 12

7 GEOLOGY, GROUND CONDITIONS AND LAND QUALITY .................................................. 14

8 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ................................................................................ 15

9 DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK ............................................................................................ 17

10 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ..................................................................... 18

11 TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS .......................................................................................... 20

12 NOISE ............................................................................................................................... 22

13 AIR QUALITY ..................................................................................................................... 24

14 AMENITY .......................................................................................................................... 26

15 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ......................................................................................... 28

DRAWINGS

LE10698-001

LE10791-001

LE10411-101

Site Location Plan

Plan and Cross Sections of Extension

Existing Situation

LE10411-P-001 Phase 1

Le10411-P-002 Phase 2

LE10411-P-003 Phase 3

LE10411-P-004 Phase 4

LE10411-P-005 Phase 5

LE10411-P-006 Phase 6

LE10411-P-007 Phase 7

LE10411-P-008 Phase 8

LE10411-P-009 Phase 9

LE10411-P-010 Phase 10

LE10411-P-011 Phase 11

LE10411-P-012 Phase 12

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1

This Scoping Report has been produced by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of

Viridor (the Applicant). The Applicant requests a formal Scoping Opinion on the proposed re-phasing, vertical and lateral extension with enhanced restoration scheme at Pilsworth South Landfill Site under Section 10(1) of the Town and Country

Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999

(as amended).

1.2

The aim of this report is to provide background information and identify potential environmental issues associated with the scheme and to invite comments from stakeholders and consultees.

1.3

The proposed works are within the existing permitted development boundary of the landfill site (Bury MBC Planning Permission Ref: 45528). Modification to this planning permission is required to allow the vertical and lateral extension of the landfill.

Planning History

1.4

Pilsworth South is currently operated by Viridor under an extant planning permission for the quarrying of sand and gravel and subsequent restoration via landfill of controlled waste (Bury MBC Planning Permission Ref: 45528). The site location is illustrated on Drawing Number LE10698-001.

1.5

Planning permission for the quarrying of sand and gravel, and restoration to agriculture, and nature conservation habitats using controlled waste was first granted for Pilsworth South West in February 1998 (Planning Permission Ref:

33482/97).

1.6

A planning application to extend operations to the south east was submitted in 2002.

The application site included the consented Pilsworth South West site as well as the proposed south east extension. This combined site south of Pilsworth Road, was named Pilsworth South. Planning permission for the quarrying of sand and gravel, and restoration to agriculture, woodland and amenity using controlled waste was approved for Pilsworth South in October 2003, subject to a Section 106 Agreement

(Planning Permission Ref: 39700/02).

1.7

Planning permission for an extension to the southern area of landfill at Pilsworth

South was granted in March 2006 following the identification of additional sand and gravel reserves of approximately 700,000 tonnes south of the area originally consented for mineral extraction (Bury MBC Planning Permission Ref: 45528).

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1.8 Sand and gravel minerals extraction at Pilsworth South is coming to end and all operations in this respect are expected to cease by the end of 2011. The new proposals do not entail the continuance of quarrying operations and consequently there will be a significant reduction in minerals traffic removing materials from the site.

Proposed Development

1.9 Viridor proposes to modify the existing planning consent at the Pilsworth South landfill site to accommodate an additional 1.8 million m³ of landfill capacity. This will extend the operational time of the facility by approximately 4.5 years based on the agreed waste throughput as controlled by the site’s Environmental Permit. The works will require a vertical extension across the southern and eastern extent of the landfill area of approximately 10m AOD, resulting in a maximum post settlement level of approximately 140m AOD, and a lateral extension of the southern and eastern landfill boundaries with a footprint measuring approximately 20,000m² in total. Drawing Number LE10791-001 depicts the extension in plan view and in section (compared to that currently approved).

1.10 It is also proposed to revise the phasing of the development of landfill cells at

Pilsworth South in order to ensure continuity between site development, mineral export and deliverability of the additional waste disposal void space. Drawing

Numbers LE10411-101 and LE10411-P-001 to LE10411-P-012 depict the proposed rephasing of the landfill cells. This will be accompanied by a revised restoration scheme and landscape masterplan to take account of the new post settlement land contours. Enhancements will be incorporated to both landscape and ecological components of the overall restoration scheme.

Planning Context

1.11 Pilsworth South is an important strategic mineral and waste disposal site serving

Bury and the wider Manchester conurbation. It is currently identified in the Draft

Greater Manchester Development Plan Document (DPD) as a future strategic waste disposal site to serve the Greater Manchester Area.

1.12 In order to continue to provide non-hazardous residual waste disposal in Greater

Manchester over the Waste Development Plan period, additional capacity is required at Pilsworth South to meet an identified need. Proposals need to be brought forward now so that changes can be made to the engineering of the site to secure this potential future capacity.

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1.13 In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 1999, Viridor as the Applicant will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit and Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany the planning application for

Pilsworth South Landfill site.

1.14 Following a review by Wardell Armstrong LLP, this report considers the potential impacts to be assessed in the ES.

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2 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

2.1

Pilsworth South Landfill lies wholly within the Borough of Bury to the east of Junction

3 of the M66. Bury town centre lies 2.5km to the north west, whilst Heywood, in the neighbouring Borough of Rochdale lies about 3km to the north east.

2.2

The proposed development lies within the existing planning permission boundary of the landfill site. The extent of the proposed vertical and lateral extension of the landfill void relative to the agreed waste contours and permitted landfill boundary is shown in Drawing Number LE10791-001. The existing landfill boundary will be extended slightly to the south within an area behind the consented Landscape Buffer

Zone (LBZ) and to east up to the Rochdale MBC boundary. In total, the additional area to be incorporated into the landfill boundary measures approximately

20,000m².

Potential Environmental Receptors

2.3

The nearest residential properties to the proposed development are four dwellings known as Pilsworth Cottages. These abut the Pilsworth South Landscape Buffer Zone

(LBZ) some 350m south of the landfill. The location of the proposed extension is such that the proximity of these cottages to landfilling operations will remain largely unaltered.

2.4

Further south of the site and beyond the deeply incised valley of Brightly Brook there are a number of scattered dwellings, all of which are over 500m from the Landscape

Buffer Zone (LBZ) and substantially further from the landfilling and quarrying operations and proposed extension. A group of dwellings known as Hollins Estate lies further afield on the opposite side of the M66. Separated by the motorway these properties are over 600m from the proposed development site.

2.5

There are no nature conservation areas of note within the consented landfill. The nearest sites of ecological importance to the proposed development are the valleys of Brightly Brook to the south and Hollins Brook to the west, which contain habitats, including reservoirs, designated as Sites of Biological Importance.

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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

3.1

There are three main elements to the proposed development:

 Vertical and Lateral Extension

3.2

Viridor proposes to modify the existing planning consent at the Pilsworth South landfill site to accommodate an additional 1.8 million m³ of landfill capacity. This will extend the operational time of the facility by approximately 4.5 years based on the agreed waste throughput as controlled by the site’s Environmental Permit.

3.3

The works will require a lateral extension across the landfill area as depicted on

Drawing Number LE10791-001. The southern extent of landfilling will be straightened to optimize the landfill void to the south of the consented area. The eastern limit of the landfill will be extended up to the Rochdale MBC boundary. The total additional area that would be incorporated into the landfill boundary would measure approximately 20,000m².

3.4

The proposed vertical extension, as shown on Drawing Number LE10791-001, will result in a maximum post settlement level of approximately 140m AOD across the centre of the vertical extension area. Based on preliminary landscape and visual assessments this is considered to be a satisfactory profile of the landfill.

3.5

The land-raise has been limited to the west to avoid over-loading of the basel geotextile in cells that have been constructed. Meanwhile to the east, within the area of lateral extension out with the consented landfilling, the post settlement waste profile has been extended to tie-in with the vertical extension, whilst not exceeding the maximum land raise elevation.

 Re-Phasing of the Development of Landfill Cells

3.6

It is proposed to revise the phasing of the development of landfill cells at Pilsworth

South. An additional four cells to the existing ten have been added to the consented scheme. The remaining cells to be developed have been re-numbered and will be constructed and backfilled following the sequence 5a, 6, 5b, 7 and 8. Drawing

Numbers LE10411-P-001 to LE10411-P-012 depict the proposed phasing of the landfill cells.

3.7

The construction of Cell 6 (previously Cell 8) in the top right hand corner of the site will follow on from 5a in order to benefit from the screening provided by the completed LBZ to the south. On completion of Cell 6, development will recommence at Cell 5b and flow eastwards through the site finishing at Cell 8. Drawing Number

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LE10411-101 shows the existing situation at the site with regard to landfill cell development.

3.8

In order to provide more beneficial screening of the site, the phasing of the development of the landfills cells and the Landscape Buffer Zone (LBZ) will be amended from the existing consented scheme. The LBZ to the south is already complete and the construction of the LBZ to the east will run concurrently with the development of the landfill cells in this direction so as to maximise screening to the eastern side of the site whilst landfilling activities are underway (see Drawing

Numbers LE10411-P-002 to LE10411-P-012).

 Enhanced Restoration Scheme

3.9

The scheme for site restoration on completion of the quarry and landfill activities will be revised, updated and enhanced to take account of the post settlement landform resulting from the vertical and lateral extension. Changes will be incorporated into the Pilsworth South Landscape Masterplan, which will also include measures to mitigate any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts that may arise as a result of the development.

3.10 Importantly the revision of the site restoration plan will provide an opportunity to contribute to local policy requirements regarding the provision of recreational open space. The landscape masterplan will be designed to include features that will enhance the amenity value and biological diversity of the area such as picnic areas, designated viewpoints, new animal and bird habitats, as well as car parks, cyclepaths and bridleways to improve public access.

Site Design, Management and Infrastructure

3.11

Although the proposals will affect the design of the landfill facility, all aspects of its construction, management and operation will remain compliant with the existing consented scheme.

3.12

Similarly all aspects of the quarrying operation at Pilsworth South, such as processing plant, silt lagoons, surface water and groundwater management, will remain compliant with the consented scheme.

3.13

The Pilsworth South Landfill site will continue to be accessed via the purpose built entrance off Pilsworth Road, some 80 metres to the east of Junction 3 of the M66, in accordance with the consented Pilsworth South scheme.

3.14

The frequency of vehicle movements to and from the site along Pilsworth Road will remain unchanged by the proposals and as such all planning obligations relating to

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SCOPING REPORT access, traffic and infrastructure will be unaffected with no amendments required.

As mineral extraction comes to an end there will be a corresponding decline in traffic numbers associated with this activity.

3.15

All internal site infrastructure details, together with plant and equipment to be utilised on site will be retained in accordance with the existing consented scheme.

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4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1

As an integral part of the site design process, the applicant has commenced an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the proposals on the site and its surrounding environment.

4.2

By virtue of the characteristics, location and nature of the proposed landfill extension the applicant has decided that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required. This EIA will be undertaken in accordance with the Town and

Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales)

Regulations 1999 (as amended). An Environmental Statement (ES) will be produced to accompany the planning application, which will be prepared in accordance with guidelines set out in the most up to date government guidance; “Environmental

Impact Assessment: A Guide to Good Practice and Procedures” (DCLG, June 2006).

4.3

The objectives of an EIA are:



To identify the potential environmental effects of the proposed development through a combination of expert analysis and input from stakeholders;

 To assess the magnitude and significance of these environmental effects and present the findings objectively so as to assist in decision-making on the planning application;



To ensure that potential adverse environmental effects are considered in the site design process and measures to mitigate or minimise any adverse impacts are incorporated where appropriate.

4.4

The site has already been the subject of three comprehensive Environmental Impact

Assessments and where adverse impacts have been identified pertaining to the existing scheme, these have been appropriately mitigated under the extant planning permission and accompanying planning obligations.

4.5

Wardell Armstrong LLP has undertaken a study to help determine the scope of the

ES. This Scoping Report outlines the results of this study. Whilst not a mandatory requirement under the EIA Regulations, scoping is a beneficial stage of the EIA process as it helps to ensure efficient use of resources and provides an early opportunity to invite input from stakeholders and the public in the development proposals.

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4.6

It is proposed that the following potential impacts be assessed in the ES:

 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT



ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION



GEOLOGY, GROUND CONDITIONS AND LAND QUALITY

 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

 DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK



ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE



TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT



NOISE

 AIR QUALITY AND HUMAN HEALTH



CONSIDERATION OF AMENITY

4.7

The EIA will individually and cumulatively assess these issues for all phases of the proposed development. This Scoping Report will briefly discuss these technical assessment areas in turn, outlining the context of the assessment in relation to previous EIA work; the scope and methodology of the assessment; and any sitespecific issues that can be identified at this early stage.

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5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

EIA Context

5.1

Various Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs) have been undertaken at

Pilsworth South Landfill to evaluate the landscape and visual implications of previous design changes and extensions to the site.

5.2

An LVIA was undertaken to support the planning application submitted in 2005. A preliminary LVIA of the current development proposal was carried out by Wardell

Armstrong in March 2009 as part of the design works. This was intended to provide an early indication of the acceptability of the vertical extension in landscape and visual terms and help create a design with a satisfactory landfill profile.

Method and Scope of Assessment

5.3

The ES will contain a full LVIA of the most up to date development proposals including a review and update of the 2009 assessment. This will take into consideration the lateral and vertical extensions, as well as the variations in landscape and visual impacts over time as a result of the landfill cell re-phasing. It will also set out any mitigation measures in the form of an enhanced restoration scheme which will be incorporated into the existing landscape masterplan.

5.4

The landscape and visual assessment will follow the methodology laid down in the guidelines published by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental

Management and Assessment, “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact

Assessment” (2002).

5.5

It is proposed to undertake a desk study and site visit to review the existing viewpoints and determine whether further visual receptors require assessment.

Additional sensitive receptors may have arisen since the previous LVIA as a result of local development. Photomontages will be produced of the existing and proposed views from these receptors and the impacts assessed in terms of magnitude and significance.

5.6

A revised landscape character assessment will be carried out which will consider any updates to the published landscape character types for the area, such as the regional

Landscape Character Areas detailed in the Countryside Character Volume 2: North

West, published by The Countryside Agency in 1999. The study will consider whether the landscape character type for the site has the capacity to accommodate the changes proposed by the development.

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Site Specific Issues

5.7

The proposed vertical extension to the landfill will raise the permitted post settlement waste contours by a maximum height of 10m AOD to approximately

140m AOD. The results of the preliminary LVIA undertaken in 2009 suggest that this vertical extension may have some potential to cause visual impact, particularly from the south.

5.8

The existing landfill boundary will be extended to incorporate areas to the south and east measuring a combined total of approximately 20,000m². The LVIA undertaken in 2009 did not consider this aspect of the proposal. However, given the distance away of the potential sensitive receptors, the lateral extension has the potential to cause less intrusion than the land raise from a visual amenity perspective and it is therefore unlikely that the conclusions of the assessment would alter.

5.9

It should be noted that all works will be taking place within the existing site planning boundary behind the Landscape Buffer Zone (LBZ). It is proposed that the LBZ will be partially extended and built up to provide additional screening of the proposed extension to the south and east as depicted in Drawing Numbers LE10411-P-001 to

LE10411-P-012.

5.10

The scheme for the phasing of the development of the landfill cells has been devised to ensure that adequate screening is provided of the landfill activities. The LBZ to the south is already complete and will provide screening during the development of

Cell 6 (see Drawing Numbers LE10411-P-001 to LE10411-P-004). Additionally, the construction of the LBZ to the east will run concurrently with the development of the eastern landfill cells 5, 7 and 8 so as to provide screening of the landfill activities from views from the south.

5.11 As part of the new proposals an opportunity is provided to enhance where possible, the restoration masterplan to take account of the new landform and to include for additional planting and landscaping to increase biodiversity and habitats for wildlife.

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6 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION

EIA Context

6.1

Various ecological assessments have been undertaken at Pilsworth South Landfill site to support previous planning applications. An assessment of the site and its surrounding environs was carried out in 2002, with subsequent surveys being carried out in 2003. A Phase 1 Habitat Survey and various protected species surveys were undertaken to assess the ecological impact of the most recent extension which was granted planning permission in 2006. These surveys concluded that the ecological impacts resulting from the proposed extension were no different from those resulting from the scheme which was consented at the time.

6.2

An Ecological Management and Monitoring Plan was put in place in 2003 which outlines measures to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to species and habitats. This was consolidated in 2005 and incorporated in the Planning Permission

45528 (Bury MBC) for the existing consented scheme. The Plan includes provisions for long-term ecological monitoring during the development and following restoration of the facility.


6.3

The ecological baseline of the proposed development site will need to be established. This will involve desk-based consultation of ecological records and a review and update of data obtained from previous desk studies and site surveys.

6.4

In order to comply with ecological assessment guidance a new Phase 1 Habitat survey of the application area will be required. The survey will involve the identification and mapping of habitats and species on site in accordance with techniques outlined in the ‘Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey’ (Joint Nature

Conservation Committee, 1993). The results will indicate whether further, specialist, protected species surveys are required.

6.5

The protected species surveys undertaken in 2005 sought to investigate the potential presence of bats, breeding birds, great crested newts, water voles and various invertebrates on site and in the surrounding environment. Some of these surveys may need to be repeated if they are out of date in accordance with the relevant guidelines, or if the revised Phase 1 Habitat survey identifies new or existing habitats with the potential to support these species.

6.6

Once the ecological baseline is established, the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) will identify the potential impacts of the proposed vertical and lateral extension on

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SCOPING REPORT this baseline and make a judgement with regards to their magnitude and significance.

6.7

The ES will also consider ongoing compliance with the agreed Ecological

Management and Monitoring Plan and how the proposed works may affect how this is carried forward in future.


6.8

It is important to note that the proposed extension works do not encroach on any area of land that was not previously considered and examined as part of the assessments carried out for the existing permission.

6.9

The ecological baseline will be largely unaffected by the vertical land raise, however the extension of the landfill boundary to the south will move the landfill operations fractionally closer to the reservoirs south of the site, albeit behind the consented

Landscape Buffer Zone. The EIA will thus have to consider the potential impact on these waterbodies and the species and habitats they have the potential to support.

6.10

Overall the scale of the lateral extension is limited and no loss or disturbance to habitat of ecological importance is envisaged. However the proposals do provide the opportunity to consider future enhancements to the creation of new and diversified habitats across the whole site. For example, permanent measures to attract sand martins will be considered with a view to maintaining existing seasonal colonies once exposed sand faces are lost through the cessation of mineral extraction.

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7 GEOLOGY AND GROUND CONDITIONS

EIA Context, Method and Scope of Assessment

7.1

The ES accompanying the planning application for the proposed Pilsworth South extension will contain a Chapter which considers the geological baseline of the site for both drift and solid bedrock geology, and the potential effects of the development with regards to risk of soil contamination and geotechnical stability.

7.2

Assessment work has been undertaken in the past to support previous planning applications so sufficient baseline data exists regarding the underlying geology of the site and its environs.

7.3

At this stage it is likely that a desk-based study based on a review and update of past assessments will be required to consider the potential impacts of the proposed vertical and lateral extension on the baseline geological environment.


7.4

The proposed extension to the Pilsworth South landfill void will involve the excavation of some 360,000m³ of materials, primarily made ground and natural deposits such as clay, to the east and south of the existing landfill boundary. Based on our comprehensive knowledge of the site geology and ground conditions, the removal of deposits from the proposed lateral extension area and replacement with controlled waste is not likely to result in a significant geological impact.

7.5 Furthermore it is not envisaged that the vertical extension to the landfill void, as depicted in Drawing Number LE10791-001, will have a significant adverse effect on geotechnical stability. The landfill cells will be designed such that the underlying geology will be able to withstand the required degree of additional vertical loading.

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8 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

EIA Context

8.1

The Environmental Statement accompanying the planning application submitted in

2002 for the currently permitted quarrying and landfilling operations at Pilsworth

South included an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the hydrological and hydrogeological conditions of the site and its surrounding environment.

8.2

This assessment was compiled in close consultation with the Environment Agency and identified various risks to ground and surface waters associated with the scheme. The following risks were identified:



Potential contamination of groundwaters and surface waters from leachate formed by water coming into contact with putrescible waste from the landfill;



Potential contamination of surface waters as a result of fines washed from the site;



Potential reduction in surface water levels within the reservoirs to the south of the site as a result of dewatering.

8.3

Detailed measures to mitigate these risks were agreed with the Local Planning

Authority and the Environment Agency are now enforced under the extant planning consent.

8.4

A hydrological and hydrogeological assessment was undertaken in 2005 as part of the planning application for the most recent extension to Pilsworth South. This examined the implications of the proposed development with regard to the risks outlined above, and measures to mitigate any adverse impacts were incorporated into the scheme.

8.5

The application for a Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) Permit for Pilsworth South required detailed quantitative risk assessments with regards to groundwater and surface waters. The results demonstrate that the risk to groundwater and surface water is acceptable and that the requirements of the Groundwater Regulations 2009 are met. These assessments will be reviewed and updated as part of the application to vary the PPC Permit to take account of the proposed extension.

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8.6

The ES for the proposed vertical and lateral extension to Pilsworth South Landfill will include a desk-based hydrological and hydrogeological assessment. The study will describe the baseline hydrological and hydrogeological conditions of the extension site and the surrounding environment largely using existing data from previous assessments and revised and update where appropriate.

8.7

A conceptual model of the hydrogeological characteristics of the site will be put together and used to predict the potential impacts of the proposed extension works on local water features. Mitigation measures to address any significant adverse effects will be recommended where required.


8.8

At this stage it is envisaged that the mitigation measures in place under the Planning

Permission Ref: 39700/02 will be sufficient to address any potential adverse effects resulting from the proposed development. The extension area is considered small relative to the whole area consented for landfill and mineral extraction, therefore the development is not likely to increase the potential risks of groundwater and surface water contamination.

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9 DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK

EIA Context

9.1

Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25): Development and Flood Risk, published in

December 2006, introduced the requirement for planning applications to be supported by a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA).

9.2

The planning applications submitted in 1997, 2002 and 2005 for works at Pilsworth

South predate this requirement for a formal assessment although the potential impacts of development of site drainage systems and surface waters was considered as part of the respective EIAs. A Surface Water Management Plan is in place at the site under the conditions of the Environmental Permit and is continually being revised and updated, most recently in 2009.


9.3

At this stage it is envisaged that the ES for the proposed vertical and lateral extension will include a desk-based FRA. Baseline information will be compiled from existing site data records and through consultation with the Local Water Authority, the Environment Agency and Highways Authority. These consultees will have information regarding drainage outfall positions, flooding information and other constraints.

9.4

The FRA will be compiled in accordance with the guidance set out in PPS25 and will consider the potential impacts of the proposed extension on surface water run-off rates, rates of discharge and drainage capacity.


9.5 The extension area is relatively small and works are not likely to have a significant effect on the level of flood risk at the Pilsworth South site. It is envisaged that the measures in place under the Surface Water Management Plan, 2009 will be sufficient to address any potential problems resulting from the proposed development, although this will be revised if required.

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10 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

EIA Context

10.1

In 1999 the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit (UMAU) undertook a data gathering exercise of the application area accompanied by a full archaeological and cultural heritage survey. Follow-up work was undertaken in 2002 for the Pilsworth

South East planning application. These previous assessments were reviewed and updated as part of the planning application to extend the site which was submitted in 2005.

10.2

The archaeological and cultural heritage assessment work undertaken at the site to date includes:

 Desk top studies;



Geophysical surveys;



Trenching;



Inspections; and

 Submission of an archaeological monitoring scheme.

10.3

As a result of the 1999 assessment UMAU identified features of regional archaeological interest on the site and its immediate environment. A series of measures were agreed to mitigate any potential adverse effects or to compensate for any loss of these features.

10.4

The assessment in 2005 found that there would be no impact on statutorily protected archaeological or heritage sites arising from the proposed extension and no additional mitigation measures were recommended.


10.5

The Environmental Statement will require a desktop review of the archaeological and cultural heritage baseline. The Historic Monuments Record (HMR) will be consulted to find out whether additional archaeological features in the site or the surrounding area have been recorded since the previous assessment.

10.6

An assessment of potential effects of the proposed development would be undertaken in accordance with the principles laid down in the Institute of Field

Archaeologists’ Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

(IFA revised 2008). The assessment would be based upon a review and update of the previous assessments and would consider the likelihood and potential significance of any impacts, in both the long and short term, on archaeological and cultural heritage

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SCOPING REPORT features against clearly-defined criteria. It will also detail how the works will comply with the existing Archaeological Monitoring Scheme.


10.7

The proposed extension works do not encroach on any area of land that was not previously considered and examined as part of the assessments carried out for the existing permission. Any adverse effects on archaeological or cultural assets are therefore considered unlikely.

10.8

Whilst it is envisaged that no mitigation measures will be required, in the unlikely event of previously unknown archaeological features being discovered during site development, appropriate mitigation measures would be put in place to avoid disturbance, loss or harm at the earliest possible stage.

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SCOPING REPORT

11 TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

EIA Context

11.1

An assessment of the potential impact on transport and highways of the Pilsworth

South landfill and quarry was undertaken to support the planning application for the site in 2002. The consented scheme included a new access which is currently in use for quarrying activities and will continue to be used during the construction and operation of the proposed extension.

11.2

A review of the transport assessment work was carried out in 2005 and the conclusions were found to be valid, with the quantity of site generated traffic unchanged as a result of the proposed development. As such no mitigation measures in respect of traffic or access were required.


11.3

A Transport Statement will be included in the ES which contains an updated review of the current transport situation and assesses the potential impacts on transport and highways which may arise under future scenarios when the development is in operation and during construction.

11.4

The assessment will specifically need to consider any committed or proposed developments associated with Heywood Industrial Estate or other large retail or industrial sites in the vicinity, which could have the potential to affect future baseline traffic movements along Pilsworth Road.

11.5

The assessment will be carried out in accordance with appropriate guidance, including:



Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment, Institution of Highways and

Transportation (1994);

 The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11 – Environmental

Assessment, Department of Transport, 1993 (as amended, 2002);



Guidelines for the Assessment of Road Traffic;



The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) (2003); and



Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG).

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11.6

The proposed extension will not alter the permitted rates of mineral extraction or landfilling and consequently the intensity of site generated traffic will remain broadly the same as that generated by the consented scheme. However there is expected to be a reduction in HGV movements associated with minerals extraction at Pilsworth

South coming to an end in 2011.

11.7

The proposed development will extend the landfill operations at Pilsworth South by

4.5 years based on the agreed waste throughput as controlled by the site’s

Environmental Permit. Whilst this will extend the overall duration of vehicle flows to and from the site, this is unlikely to represent a significant issue.

11.8

The new application will not affect the Section 106 agreement, agreed as part of the

2004 permission, for the reinstatement of a footpath and a bridleway along the boundary of the site, and the creation of further routes for public access.

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SCOPING REPORT

12 NOISE

EIA Context

12.1

Various assessments of the potential noise impacts of operations at Pilsworth South

Landfill have been undertaken, with the most recent in 2005 as part of the EIA for the previous planning application.

12.2

Six sensitive noise receptors were identified and background noise surveys were undertaken at four properties. Ambient noise data had already been obtained for the other two properties during the assessment in 2002. Noise modelling was carried out which took into account the proposed site design, phasing of development and plant deployment. The results showed that the typical quarrying and landfilling activities associated with the extension area and the site as a whole would not exceed daytime noise limit criteria in accordance with Mineral Policy

Statement (MPS) 2.

12.3

The results also predicted short-term increases in noise levels marginally above the guideline limits at Pilsworth Cottages some 350m to the south of the landfill and quarry activities during the nearest approach of the construction of the Landscape

Buffer Zone (LBZ). These noise levels would however be temporary and the completed LBZ would thereafter provide substantial long-term noise attenuation and improvements in visual amenity.

12.4

Appropriate noise mitigation measures to safeguard public amenity are incorporated in the approved construction, working and restoration of the site, under the extant

Planning Permission for Pilsworth South (39700/02)


12.5

As sufficient background noise data for the identified sensitive receptors already exists, at this stage it is unlikely that new ambient noise surveys will be required. It will however be necessary to consider how the noise baseline may have altered since the previous assessment, including the addition or subtraction of noise sources. The following is of note:



Ambient noise levels are predominantly affected by continuous motorway traffic on the M66 and local traffic, notably HGVs, along Pilsworth Road and Moss Hall

Road; and



The minerals processing plant will remain in its current position although it will be removed in the short term.

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12.6

The ES will require an assessment of the predicted noise impacts of the proposed development during construction and operation on sensitive receptors locations.

Noise modelling will consider the individual effects of the extension as well as its cumulative effect with the landfill and quarry as a whole. Various operational scenarios will be modelled to take account of the phased development of the site.

Mitigation measures will be considered where appropriate to ensure that noise levels at sensitive receptor locations remain acceptable and planning obligations under the extant permission are met.


12.7

As a result of the proposed extension the proximity of the landfilling operations to the six noise sensitive receptors will remain largely unaltered. Due to the nature of the proposed development potential noise impacts will relate predominantly to the duration of noise rather than intensity. It is therefore considered unlikely that acoustic amenity at these properties will be adversely affected.

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13 AIR QUALITY

EIA Context

13.1

The ES accompanying the planning application submitted in 2002 to extend operation to the south east of the Pilsworth South site, included a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts on air quality and human health associated with the proposed landfill and quarrying operations. This covered traffic emissions, odour and dust.

13.2

The assessment included a comprehensive Odour Impact Assessment based on qualitative odour dispersion modelling, conducted by the Applied Environmental

Research Centre Ltd (AERC).

13.3

Measures to control and prevent odour and dust emissions were incorporated in design and management aspects of Pilsworth South and have subsequently reduced impacts to minimum practicable levels.

13.4

The planning application for the extension to Pilsworth South submitted in 2005 contained a review and update of the previous air quality assessment. It found that the odour and dust mitigation measures in place at the site were suitable for controlling the potential impacts of the proposed extension and no significant adverse effects were envisaged. These measures have additionally been subject to review and agreement under the current PPC Permit.


13.5

The Air Quality Chapter of the ES for the proposed vertical and lateral extension and re-phasing of Pilsworth South Landfill will focus on potential odour and dust impacts resulting from the handling of materials in the extension area. Air pollutant concentrations from vehicle emissions have been scoped out of the assessment as the proposed development is not expected to significantly change the number of day-to-day site generated vehicle movements, which is considered acceptable under the consented scheme.

13.6

The assessment work will involve a review of the qualitative dust assessment undertaken in 2005. The conclusions of this assessment are not likely to change as the proposed development will not alter the distances between potential sensitive receptors and landfill operations.

13.7

With regards to odour, at this stage it is likely that the AERC report and methodology will be considered adequate for the consideration and assessment of potential odour

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SCOPING REPORT impact arising from the proposed extension. This will be included in the ES as an

Appendix.

13.8

The review of studies into possible links between landfill sites and adverse human health effects undertaken in 2002 will also be revised and updated where appropriate.


13.9 The proposed Pilsworth South extension is not expected to give rise to any adverse effects on air quality and human health as the same practices and procedures for controlling odour and dust to acceptable levels will be applied to the extension area.

Moreover the cessation in the short term of minerals extraction and processing is expected to improve ambient dust levels.

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14 AMENITY

EIA Context

14.1

The ES accompanying the 2002 planning application for Pilsworth South landfill and quarry included a study by the Applied Environmental Research Centre into four key types of nuisance, namely:



Odour;



Dust;



Litter; and

 Vermin.

14.2

Each subject was considered in terms of potential sources, pathways and sensitive receptors and appropriate mitigation measures were incorporated into the working plan.

14.3

In addition, a literature review of epidemiological data was undertaken which examined the possibility of an association between certain health effects and landfill operations. It also included a risk assessment study which used landfill gas emissions modelling to determine potential exposure rates to various trace constituents in landfill gas.

14.4

Additional information in respect of meteorological data and air pollutant emissions was submitted in July 2003 to address queries raised by Bury Metropolitan Borough

Council’s Environmental Health Department. The Council were satisfied with the studies undertaken and information provided, and planning permission was granted in August 2004.

14.5

An amenity and public health assessment was included in the ES accompanying the planning application for an extension to the Pilsworth South site submitted in 2005.

This concluded that, given normal controls, there would be no significant adverse effects on local residents from odour, dust, litter or vermin as a result of the development. Furthermore there was no evidence to suggest that operations of the facility would have an adverse impact on human health.


14.6

The ES for the proposed vertical and lateral extension of Pilsworth South Landfill will include a desk-based amenity and public health assessment which will largely be based on a review, update and summary of previous assessments. Issues of dust and odour will be considered in the Chapter on Air Quality and Human Health.

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14.7

The current proposals will not involve any significant change in the intensity of quarrying or landfilling operations at the site. The proximity of the landfill activities to residential properties in the south will remain largely unaltered as will the protection afforded by the Landscape Buffer Zone (LBZ). Leachate and landfill gases collected from the wastes deposited on Pilsworth South will continue to be treated on Pilsworth North.

14.8

Given the size and nature of the proposed extension it is not envisaged that there will be any change in the potential for nuisance and risk to human health compared with the currently permitted works.

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15 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

15.1 Viridor proposes to modify the existing planning consent (Bury MBC Planning

Permission Ref: 45528) at the Pilsworth South Landfill site to accommodate an additional 1.8 million m³ of landfill capacity within the permitted planning boundary.

The proposed vertical and lateral extension to the landfill void space will increase the operational lifespan of the site by 4.5 years and will thus contribute to fulfilling the need for additional landfill capacity in Greater Manchester. The proposed development will also involve changes to the phasing scheme for the development of landfill cells and amendments and enhancements to the site restoration plan.

Proposals need to be brought forward now so that changes can be made to the engineering of the site to secure this potential future capacity.

15.2

The proposed development will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) and the planning application will be accompanied by an Environmental

Statement (ES). The ES will identify the potential impacts arising from the proposed extension and will assess the significance of these effects. Mitigation measures will be outlined where appropriate.

15.3

This Scoping Report has sought to consider the types of impacts that may be associated with the proposed development and the extent to which these need to be subject to further investigation and consideration in the ES, particularly in the context of past assessment work and ongoing implementation of mitigation measures. It concludes that consideration will be given to the following:



LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION

 GEOLOGY, GROUND CONDITIONS AND LAND QUALITY



HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY



DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK



ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT



NOISE



AIR QUALITY AND HUMAN HEALTH



AMENITY

15.4

Given the iterative nature of the EIA process, the scope of the ES is not fixed and will be refined following consultations with a wide range of authorities, statutory agencies and interested parties, including the general public and local residents.

15.5

The results of technical environmental assessments and any recommendations will be included and incorporated into the design of the landfill extension and

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SCOPING REPORT restoration proposals. Sensitive design of the extension will enable the site to be worked within the criteria of current planning and environmental best practices, advice and guidance.

15.6

Full regard will be given to the current national, regional and local planning guidance and policies in the elaboration of the site design and preparation of the ES. The planning application will be subject to an extensive programme of public consultation involving all interested parties, bodies and stakeholders in the local and wider community.

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16

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