Yarm, Intention Not To Prepare An Environmental Statement

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENTION NOT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Regulation 5 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Land Drainage Improvement Works (Amended) Regulations 1999 SI 1999/1783 Yarm Flood Alleviation Scheme The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement works to the Yarm flood gates between NGR NZ4165412764 and NZ4207312674, over a 1.3km stretch.

The proposed improvement works will involve the following:

• The replacement of 25 flood gates on a like for like basis
• The replacement of a further 4 flood gates, however the opening width will be reduced - the flood wall will be extended to narrow the gate opening.
• One privately owned flood gate opening will be blocked up, becoming a continuous stretch of flood wall.
• Access and working area improvements around the new flood gates on the West side of Yarm between NGR NZ4162712834 and NZ4161213170 will be undertaken, improving the safety of EA operatives when operating the new flood gates. These improvements will provide a level working area around the flood gates (on the river side of the flood wall), will improve access between the flood gates and will improve the stepped access for EA operatives and residents.

The Environment Agency based on the environmental assessments undertaken considers that the Yarm Flood Alleviation Scheme is not likely to have significant effects on the environment and therefore does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of them. It is considered that any environmental risks to the habitats and species can be avoided or minimised by appropriate timing of works and working methods. Temporary working areas and welfare facilities will be placed to avoid impacts where possible.

An Environmental Action Plan has been produced for these works, outlining the environmental risks and mitigation that must be undertaken during the works. Our contractors will be implementing the identified mitigation throughout the construction period, which they are bound to do by the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. The Environmental Action Plan can be requested by emailing ea-yarmfas@environment-agency.gov.uk. Any person wishing to make representations in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works should do so, in writing, to the address specified below, within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice.

Michael Zambas, Environment Agency, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE4 7AR