River Wharfe in Tadcaster - Improvement Works to the Fish Pass

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

TADCASTER FISH PASS

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement works to the fish pass on the River Wharfe in Tadcaster at NGR SE 48553 43728. The proposed improvement works will involve the removal of the existing ineffective fish pass at Tadcaster weir, with this being replaced with a new two flight Larinier style fish pass with adjacent combined eel and lamprey pass.

The Environment Agency considers that the improvement works are not likely to have significant effects on the environment and does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of them. This is due to the scale and location of the scheme. There will be positive environmental effects from the improvement works in terms of fish passage along the River Wharfe, with the scheme opening up c.64km of the river for fish spawning. There will be minor adverse effects through loss of trees and terrestrial habitats associated with the scheme, however these will be compensated through replacement planting. Baseline ecology surveys have been undertaken, and mitigation measures will be in place to limit effects on any protected species. Effects on the Humber Estuary European designated sites have been considered through a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), with mitigation measures set out where necessary. There will be adverse effects on the non-designated heritage asset of the remains of Ingleby’s Mill, however mitigation shall be put place ahead of construction in the form of archaeological recording. Within standard mitigation measure in place, construction effects associated with noise and vibration, air quality, traffic and water quality shall be negligible. Effects associated with the spread of Invasive and Non-native Species (INNS) shall be reduced through the implementation of an INNS Management Plan.

The following environmental surveys and assessments have been undertaken for the scheme. A copy of these can be obtained by emailing the following address: tadcasterfas@environment-agency.gov.uk

•  Heritage and Archaeology Desk Based Assessment;

•  Ecology Surveys;

•  INNS Management Plan;

•  Tree Survey, Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Arboricultural Method Statement;

•  Environment Action Plan ( EAP); and

•  Environmental Assessment Matrix.

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 email address specified below, within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice. tadcasterfas@environment-agency.gov.uk