Easton Broad - Removal Of Redundant Flood Defence Outfall

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
Announcement Of Intention Not To Prepare An Environmental Statement - Regulation 5 Of The Environmental Impact Assessment Land Drainage Improvement Works (Amended) Regulations 1999SI 1999/1783 Easton Broad Outfall Removal

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out removal of a flood defence structure at Easton Broad, located on the Suffolk coast approximately 3km north of Southwold (NGR TM 51649 79183).

The proposed works will involve the following:
Remove a redundant outfall structure that has reached the end of its operational life and now presents a potential safety risk to the public. The proposed works are within Pakefield to Easton Bavents SSSI, Benacre to Easton Bavents Lagoons SAC and Benacre to Easton Bavents SPA. The site is also adjacent to the Southern North Sea SAC and the Outer Thames Estuary SPA.

The Environment Agency considers that the 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.

Whilst the works could cause some minor noise and visual disturbance, this will not be to an extent which could cause significant environmental impacts or harm to designated sites. An SSSI assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment Stage 1 has been conducted, which concluded that the proposed works are not likely to damage any of the flora, fauna or geological or physiological features which are of special interest at the designated sites listed above. Natural England confirmed that the proposal as described will not likely have an adverse effect on the SSSI, SPA and SAC interests of the site. The Environment Agency will work closely with the Marine Management Organisation, Natural England and local wardens.

The works will be completed either before 28th February or after the 30th July to minimise disturbance to wildlife and protected habitats. An Ecological Clerk of Works will conduct a site walkover prior to mobilisation to ensure that there are no nesting birds within the proposed working areas. Access routes will be agreed with the landowner and Natural England prior to mobilisation. The site compound will be outside of the SSSI boundary. 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.

Vinicius Delboni Project Manager,
Environment Agency, Kings Meadow House, Kings Meadow Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 8DQ