Volume II – Environmental Impact Statement · 2014. 7. 17. · Stream BioEnergy 1-4 SLR Consulting Ireland Proposed Renewable Bioenergy Plant Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, Dublin11

SLR CONSULTING IRELAND DRAWING/DOCUMENT ISSUE SHEET

PROJECT: Stream BioEnergy- Proposed Renewable BioEnergy Plant JOB NO:

501.00193.00003

CREATION/ISSUE DATE DRAWINGS, CALCULATION SHEETS AND OTHER DESIGN DOCUMENTS V

REGISTER ~ e ,.. 0

DRGNo DESCRIPTION REVISION STATUS

DOCUMENT NUMBER DESCRIPTION Stream BioEnergy • Proposed Renewable BioEnerov Plant Huntstown, North Road. Finglas, Dublin 11 Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 • Non Tecnical Summarv 0 Volume 11 - EIS 0 Volime Ill - Appendices 0

ISSUE TO: NO. OF COPIES:

Environmental Protection AgenCY (EPA): Hard Copy 1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Soft Copy 1

ISSUED BY (INITIAL) TP

COMMENTS: Ll

Signed as True Copy ksL~ng Ireland)

SQF 3057 Issue 1 Rev A Jan-2008

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Proposed Renewable Bioenergy Plant

at

Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

Environmental Impact Statement

STREAM BIOENERGY LTD

Prepared by: SLR Consulting Ireland,7 Dundrum Business Park,Windy Arbour,Dublin 14.

August 2013

VOLUME II - EIS

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Volume II – Environmental Impact StatementTable of Contents

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VOLUME II EIS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Stream BioEnergy 1-1 SLR Consulting Ireland Proposed Renewable Bioenergy Plant Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, Dublin11

SLR Consulting Ireland

Chapter 1 .....................................................................................................Introduction

Chapter 2 ...............................................................................Development Description

Chapter 3 ..............................................................................................Planning Policy

Chapter 4 ..................................................................................................Waste Policy

Chapter 5 .........................................................................Consideration of Alternatives

Chapter 6 ....................................................................................................Consultation

Chapter 7 ................................................................................................Human Beings

Chapter 8 ..................................................................................Air Quality and Climate

Chapter 9 ....................................................................................Landscape and Visual

Chapter 10 ............................................................................................................Noise

Chapter 11 ...........................................................................................Flora and Fauna

Chapter 12 ........................................................................................Soils and Geology

Chapter 13 ......................................................................................................Hydrology

Chapter 14 ................................................................................................Hydrogeology

Chapter 15 ...........................................................................................Cultural Heritage

Chapter 16 ....................................................................................Traffic and Transport

Chapter 17 ........................................................................Interactions of the Foregoing

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Ch

ap

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INTRODUCTION 1

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1-1

THE APPLICANT ..................................................................................................... 1-1

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................... 1-1

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) .................................................... 1-4

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening ...................................................... 1-5

Objectives and Purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement.......................... 1-5

Format of the Environmental Impact Statement .................................................... 1-6

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT .............................................................................. 1-8

CONTROL OF MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARDS INVOLVING DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES REGULATIONS, 2006 .................................................................... 1-8

CONTRIBUTORS .................................................................................................... 1-9

FIGURES ............................................................................................................... 1-11

TABLES

Table 1-1 Contributors to Environmental Impact Statement ................................... 1-10

PLATES

Plate 1-2 Overview of Anaerobic Digestion Process ................................................ 1-2

FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Regional Site Location Map .................................................................. 1-11

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INTRODUCTION 1


INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared on behalf of

Stream BioEnergy (SBE) Limited and is being submitted in support of a

planning application for a Renewable Bioenergy Plant (hitherto referred to as

the plant) at Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, County Dublin, see Figure 1-1.

1.2 It is proposed that the plant will be built on lands which are zoned for heavy

industrial use in the current Fingal Development Plan, 2011-2017. The

application site covers an area of 2.38 hectares (5.9 acres) and is within the

Huntstown Quarry complex, approximately 400 metres west of North Road

(Coldwinters cul-de-sac) and adjacent to the Huntstown Power Station.

THE APPLICANT

1.3 SBE is an independent, Irish owned, energy development company with a

vision for a sustainable energy future where renewable resources will

overtake coal, oil and other fossil fuels as the world’s primary fuels for

electricity generation.

1.4 As part of this vision SBE promotes anaerobic digestion (AD) technology to

generate renewable energy from organic materials. SBE believes that AD

presents a significant opportunity to deliver a better, safer and more secure

clean energy future for Ireland in a way that safeguards the environment.

1.5 SBE covers all aspects of project development from conception, acquiring

regulatory consents, financing and construction, through to operation. The

company’s management team has extensive experience of developing and

operating renewable energy infrastructure throughout Europe.

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

1.6 SBE is proposing to utilise AD technology in Dublin to generate renewable

energy from primarily domestic and commercial organic waste. The proposed

plant, if permitted, will process up to 90,000 per annum (tpa) of non-

hazardous biodegradable waste such as food and kitchen waste from

households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises, as well as similar

waste from food and beverage processing plants.

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INTRODUCTION 1


1.7 The plant will generate a consistent supply of up to 3.8MW of renewable

electricity, which is enough energy to power 7,500 local homes annually.

Heat generated will be reused in the AD process and can also be made

available to neighbouring enterprises that may have a use for it.

1.8 AD is a sustainable form of renewable energy production through a naturally

occurring process in which micro-organisms break down biodegradable

material, in the absence of oxygen in an enclosed system.

1.9 The process produces a biogas, which is largely made up of methane (60%)

and carbon dioxide (40%), and a compost like material, known as ‘digestate’.

The digestate is nutrient rich, and free from odour, contaminants and

pathogens and can be used as an organic biofertiliser which replaces the use

of artificial fertilisers. The biogas is converted into renewable heat and

electricity for use in homes and businesses.

1.10 An overview of the process is presented in Plate 1-2.

Plate 1-2 Overview of Anaerobic Digestion Process

1.11 AD is a proven, efficient, and environmentally sustainable technology that

delivers multiple benefits. Germany currently has over 7,500 operating AD

plants, which add millions of Euros to its economy. While AD has been used

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INTRODUCTION 1


successfully for decades in the UK water sector, with approximately 150

operating plants, until recently there were only a handful of plants operating

in other sectors. However, the UK industry has grown rapidly in the last 5

years, with 92 plants currently operating outside the water sector and

hundreds more in the planning process.

1.12 The proposed plant will help Ireland meet a number of important EU

commitments, as well as contributing towards achieving national recycling

targets. EU Directives, such as the Waste Framework Directive

(2008/98/EC), encourage the use of AD to convert non-hazardous organic

material, which is currently discarded, into renewable energy and a nutrient

rich fertiliser.

1.13 The EU’s Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) sets mandatory targets for a

reduction in the amount of biodegradable municipal waste disposed of to

landfill, and this material can be processed by AD. The plant can therefore

make a significant contribution to the management of organic materials in

Ireland.

1.14 Energy sourced from the plant will diversify the national fuel mix, thereby

reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, the price of which are subject

to global energy market trends.

1.15 The plant will also play an important role in the fight against climate change

as it will reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to the atmosphere. This is

achieved due to the replacement of fossil fuels through the production of

renewable energy, and because organic materials are processed in a totally

enclosed system which prevents the uncontrolled release of methane, nitrous

oxide and other gases which can occur when organic waste degrades in

landfill.

1.16 In addition to improvements in air quality the plant will deliver other

environmental enhancements including water quality benefits as it reduces

organic pollution potential and destroys pathogenic and faecal micro-

organisms in digestate which can be used as a biofertiliser to replace organic

manures, slurry and artificial fertilisers.

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INTRODUCTION 1


1.17 A key characteristic of the proposed plant in terms of its potential socio-

economic impact, relates to its capital value, of which a significant portion will

be for the purchase of Irish sourced goods and services. The construction

phase will provide a boost for the construction sector in terms of employment

generation, with approxiamtely 30 jobs created, and capital spend on

materials and construction labour costs. When operating the plant will employ

16 permanent positions. In addition, indirect employment will be created

through the provision of support services to the plant.

1.18 Materials and services including transport, accommodation, catering,

landscaping and trade services will be sourced locally where possible

thereby generating additional local revenue. In this way, the plant will

promote the retention of money in the local economy.

1.19 The potential for AD to help Ireland meet some of its most challenging goals

in terms of growth, carbon reduction, resource recovery and the emerging

green economy is substantial. The timely provision of services and utilities

and security of energy supply are essential in meeting both business and

residential needs. At a time when demand for alternative energy supplies is

higher than ever, energy recovered from waste will help to make Ireland

more self-sufficient through providing a reliable source of renewable, green

energy supply.

1.20 AD is recognised as a proven and sustainable way of utilising waste as a

resource and the development of infrastructure such as that proposed in this

application is provided for and supported by EU legislation and national

planning and waste policy. This type of facility is urgently needed to assist

the government to achieve its EU targets relating to waste and energy. A

more detailed overview of the relevant supporting legislation and policies is

provided in Chapters 3 and 4.

1.21 A comprehensive description of the nature and extent of the proposed

development is presented in Chapter 2.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) 1.1 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are carried out in response to the

requirements of the European Community Council Directives on the

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INTRODUCTION 1


assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the

environment. The enabling statutory instruments (S.I.’s) which transpose

these Directives into law in Ireland are the European Communities

(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989, as updated by the

Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 (the EIA Regulations), with the

main legislation being S.I. 600/01. These Regulations outline the classes of

projects subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and the statutory

format and content for an EIS.

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening

1.22 The proposed development falls within Part 2 of Schedule 5, ‘installations for

the disposal of waste with an annual intake greater than 25,000 tonnes not

included in Part 1’ of development for the purposes of Part 10 of the

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).

1.23 The proposed annual intake is 90,000 tonnes per annum; an EIS therefore

accompanies the planning application to Fingal County Council.

Objectives and Purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement

1.24 An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is defined as ‘a statement of the

effects, if any, which the proposed development, if carried out, would have on

the environment’.1 As such, it is a systematic evaluation of the positive and

negative impacts of a project on both the natural and human environments.

1.25 The principal objectives of an EIS are to:

• Identify and / or predict the significant impacts of a development.

• Identify what mitigation measures should be incorporated into the

development to eliminate or reduce the perceived impacts.

• Interpret and communicate the above information on the impact of the

proposed development, in both technical and non-technical terms.

• Assist the Local Planning Authority in the decision making process with

respect to the associated planning application.

1 SI No. 349 of 89 (Art 3 (1))

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INTRODUCTION 1


Format of the Environmental Impact Statement

1.26 This EIS has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 6 of the Planning

and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and conforms to the

relevant requirements as specified therein. The EIS has also been

undertaken having regard to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Guidelines on information to be contained in Environmental Impact

Statements (2002) and Advice Notes on Current Practice in preparation of

Environmental Impact Statements (2003) and the European Commission

document Guidance on EIA, EIS Review (2001).

1.27 In addition the EIA has been carried out taking due consideration of other

guidance documents, where appropriate, along with various guidance

documents relating to the assessment of individual issues (see methodology

presented in each individual assessment).

1.28 The assessment has been undertaken as an iterative process rather than a

one-off, post-design environmental appraisal. Findings from the

environmental assessments have been fed into the design process, resulting

in a project which achieves a ‘best fit’ within the environment.

1.29 The EIS is presented in the ‘Grouped Format Structure’ as described in the

Guidelines on Information to be Contained in an EIS (EPA, 2002). This

format examines each topic as a separate section referring to the following:

• a description of the site and the existing environment;

• a description of the proposed development; the impacts, if any, resulting

from the proposed development;

• the measures to mitigate any adverse impacts; and

• a non-technical summary.

The advantages of using this format are that it is easy to investigate a single

topic and it facilitates easy cross-reference to specialist studies.

1.30 The EIS is sub divided into 4 Volumes as follows:

• Volume I Non Technical Summary;

• Volume II Environmental Impact Statement;

• Volume III Appendices to Environmental Impact Statement; and,

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INTRODUCTION 1


1.31 Volume II, is presented as 17 chapters, as an overview they comprise:

• Chapter 1, Introduction: sets out the background to, and location of, the

proposed plant, as well as providing details on the EIA process;

• Chapter 2, Development Description: describes the context of the plant,

the design, and physical nature of the facility and its use, including

operational processes and issues such as access, drainage etc.;

• Chapters 3 and 4, summarise the planning and waste policy context that

supports the proposed development;

• Chapter 5, Consideration of Alternatives: describes the alternatives

considered including site selection, design iterations and alternative

technologies;

• Chapter 6, Consultation, summarises the consultation undertaken with

regulatory bodies and interested stakeholders; and

• Chapters 7 to 17, presents the environmental assessments, and include

detailed information for each topic on the existing environment, potential

significant impacts on the environment as a result of the proposed

development, if any, followed by mitigation measures to reduce or

alleviate identified impacts. They are grouped under the following

headings:

o Chapter 7 Human Beings

o Chapter 8 Air Quality and Climate

o Chapter 9 Landscape and Visual

o Chapter 10 Noise and Vibration

o Chapter 11 Flora and Fauna

o Chapter 12 Soils and Geology

o Chapter 13 Hydrology

o Chapter 14 Hydrogeology

o Chapter 15 Cultural Heritage

o Chapter 16 Traffic and Transport

o Chapter 17 Interactions of the Foregoing

1.32 Associated references and figures, where applicable, are provided at the end

of each chapter.

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INTRODUCTION 1


APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

1.33 Appropriate Assessment is required to be carried out under the Habitats

Directive and specifically Article 6(3) thereof for plans or projects likely to

have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites. It is most recently implemented

under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations

2011.

1.34 Appropriate Assessment is required to be carried out for development on or

adjacent to sites classified by the Minister pursuant to the regulations as

special areas of conservations (SACs) or special protection areas (SPAs).

Specifically Article 42(1) of the 2011 Regulations requires public authorities

to screen for Appropriate Assessment a plan or project, which is not directly

connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European

Site, in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of

the site, to assess the plan or project not only individually but also in

combination with other plans or projects likely to have a significant effect on

the European site.

1.35 A Planning Authority can only authorise the development if it is satisfied that

there is no reasonable scientific doubt as to the absence of effects which

would adversely affect the integrity of an area of special protection, in light of

the site’s conservation objectives.

1.36 It has to be established that a proposed development will not disrupt those

factors that maintain a favourable condition, or will not interfere in any

significant way with any of the species referred to as “qualifying interests" or

"special conservation interests". In this regard, a separate report prepared by

SLR Consulting accompanies this application entitled ‘Natura Impact

Statement: Provision of Information to Inform an Appropriate Assessment’.

CONTROL OF MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARDS INVOLVING DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES REGULATIONS, 2006

1.37 As Huntstown Power Station qualifies as an establishment under the Seveso

Regulations, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) can be requested to

provide an opinion on any developments proposed in the vicinity of this site.

The HSA have issued a guidance document (Health & Safety Authority,

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INTRODUCTION 1


2010) which outlines the approach they would use when making such a

determination. This report sets out the findings when carrying out such an

assessment using the HSA‟s guidance.

1.38 A separate report prepared by Byrne Ó Cléirigh Consulting entitled,

‘Assessment of Land Use Planning Implications for the Development of a

Renewable Bioenergy Plant at Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11’,

accompanies this application. The report sets out the findings of an

assessment into the potential implications under the Seveso Regulations (SI

74 of 2006) of locating the proposed plant adjacent to Huntstown Power

Station, particularly with respect to Land Use Planning (LUP) matters. The

findings of the assessment demonstrate that the proposed development at

this location satisfies the HSA‟s criteria for Land Use Planning matters, and

the HSA would not advise against the development on this basis.

CONTRIBUTORS

1.39 For the development of this project SBE engaged a broad-based

collaboration of highly skilled and experienced engineers, environmental

consultants and specialists experienced in the permitting, licensing, design,

engineering and operation of AD facilities.

1.40 SLR Consulting are the lead consultant on the project and were assisted by

the following specialists in the preparation of the EIS (see Table 1-1).

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INTRODUCTION 1


Table 1-1 Contributors to Environmental Impact Statement

Company Aspect

Project Management, Production, Evaluation and Reporting. Human Beings, Noise and Vibration, Flora and Fauna, Soils and Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Interactions of the Foregoing.

Planning Consultant

Air Quality and Climate

Landscape and Visual

Cultural Heritage

Traffic and Transport

Process Engineers

Architectural Services and Planning Drawings

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INTRODUCTION 1


FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Regional Site Location Map

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SITE LOCATION

Regional Site Location MapScale 1:100000

N

W

S

E

Huntstown Renewable Bioenergy PlantApplication Area (c 2.382 ha)

Regional Site Location Map InsetScale 1:50000

Roadstone Wood Ltd Landholding Area(c 212 ha)

NOTES1. BASED ON 1:50000 ORDNANCE SURVEYIRELAND DISCOVERY SERIES MAPPING - MAPNO's. - OS3022_D, OS3024_D, OS3222_D &OS3224_D.

2. ORDNANCE SURVEY IRELAND LICENCENO. AR0116513 (C) ORDNANCE SURVEY &GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND

3. © COPYRIGHT RESTS WITH VISION DESIGNTHIS DRAWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCEDWHOLELY OR IN PART WITHOUT THEEXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VISIONDESIGN

LEGEND

Scale Date

Revision Drawn By Chkd By Date Comments

CLIENT:SLR CONSULTING IRELAND

7 DUNDRUM BUSINESS PARKWINDY ARBOUR

DUBLIN 14T: +353-1-2964667F: +353-1-2964676

www.slrconsulting.com

SLR CONSULTING IRELAND7 DUNDRUM BUSINESS PARK

WINDY ARBOURDUBLIN 14

T: +353-1-2964667F: +353-1-2964676

www.slrconsulting.com

Proposed Huntstown Renewable Bioenergy Plant

Huntstown, North Road,Finglas, Dublin 11

Title - Regional Site Location Map

Figure 1-1

1:100000 / A3 July 2013

A PG MB July'13

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STREAM IOIMII.OY

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Documents

Volume II – Environmental Impact Statement · 2014. 7. 17. · Stream BioEnergy 1-4 SLR Consulting Ireland Proposed Renewable Bioenergy Plant Huntstown, North Road, Finglas, Dublin11