Heacham Beach - Flood Defence Screen Replacement and Environmental Assessment

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

Capital works on debris screen

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement works to a flood defence asset on Heacham River in Norfolk, which is located next to Heacham Beach where the river drains into the North Sea (NGR TF66228 36871). The proposed improvement works will take place on the Outfall’s inlet screen at the river and comprise the replacement of the existing screen with a two-stage inlet screen with a horizontal component, which is to be fully compliant with the latest CIRIA C786. Additional works include the replacement of signage with the latest Environment Agency signage and the improvement of existing fencing. 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. Outlined as selection criteria for improvement works having a significant effect on the environment in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999, the characteristics, location and potential impact have been taken into account in this determination. The works will take place near The Wash SSSI, SPA, and Ramsar. A SSSI assessment form has been prepared, determining no potential for significant impact to the SSSI. A Stage 2 Habitats Regulations Assessment has also been prepared.

An Environmental Action Plan, based on an Environmental Assessment Matrix, has been developed to account for any risk of harm to or disturbance of the environment, including potential protected species, trees, flood risk, water quality and local residents. Mitigations will be in place, including strict pollution prevention measures, biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of invasive and non-native species and compensation for trees removed during the works. It is considered that the proposed works will not have a significant effect on the environment.

The relevant environmental documents, including the Environmental Action Plan and Environmental Assessment Matrix can be obtained from the project manager at the address below.

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.

Gemma Hoad, Environment Agency, Kings Meadow House, Kings Meadow Rd, Reading, Berks, RG1 8DQ