Effects
6.1 Schedule 3 para. 7 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that the
Environmental Report includes the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the ELFWS. It is also required to outline opportunities for the enhancement of positive effects.
6.2 The following table summarises measures envisaged for the prevention, reduction and offsetting of any significant adverse effects. The results of the assessment have not identified any significant adverse effects resulting from the FWS. However a number of minor or mixed positive and
negative impacts have been identified.
6.3 The mitigation and enhancement recommendations relate to reinforcement of wider benefits under each set of strategic priorities, and the need for cross referencing between strategic priority areas.
6.4 Summary of actions to reduce negative and enhance positive environmental effects by SEA objective
Table 6.1: proposed mitigation measures
SEA objective Mitigation measures Comments
SEA Objective 1: To conserve and enhance the diversity of habitats and species
Ensure that planting for biomass does not result in large areas of monoculture that have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Promote methods of timber harvesting that minimise the disturbance to habitats and species.
Zone woodlands according to which, if any, recreational activities may be most suitable for them, minimising the disturbance to wildlife. Restricting new woodland planting within the
hydrological unit of Natura sites reliant on water quality and quantity (Airds Moss, Bankhead Moss, Cockinhead Moss, Dykeneuk Moss, Lendalfoot Hills complex, Kirkcowan Flow, River
Changes recommended in Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) screening report
SEA objective Mitigation measures Comments Bladnock, Merrick Kells)
Maintaining an unplanted buffer zone where new
planting occurs in proximity to the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands, Arran Moors,
Renfrewshire Heights, Glen App and Galloway Moors Ensuring that forestry activities take place outwith the hen harrier breeding season (Arran Moors, Renfrewshire Heights, Glen App and Galloway Moors) Locating new recreational development away from Natura sites (Merrick Kells, Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands, Arran Moors,
Renfrewshire Heights and Glen App and Galloway Moors) SEA Objective 5: To avoid
adverse direct and indirect impacts on soil stability, structure and quality
Care will need to be taken to ensure that a balance is achieved between making productive use of residues from forest thinnings and leaving enough residues behind to protect and enrich the soil in these areas. Methods of harvesting that minimised the disturbance of soil should be promoted. Establishing new woodlands and trees for biomass production on derelict and vacant land will need to be carefully managed to ensure that short term damage and disruption to soil structure is minimised.
Ensure that woodland with sensitive soils are protected from intensive recreational use. Zoning recreational use of woodlands may be one way to manage and protect soils.
Monitoring
6.5 Section 19 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires the Responsible Authority to monitor significant environmental effects of the implementation of the PPS. This
needs to be done in such a way as to also enable them to identify any unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and to enable them to take appropriate remedial action.
6.6 No significant adverse environmental effects were identified; however monitoring is required to allow identification of unforeseen adverse environmental effects.
6.7 The following activities were undertaken to establish the monitoring approach:
An initial review of indicators associated with the SEA objectives and emerging from the baseline analysis
Review of key issues emerging from the assessment requiring monitoring
Consideration of appropriate indicators and monitoring processes
- No monitoring framework is currently identified within the AAFWS – although it is understood that this will be delivered through the implementation of the Action Plan 6.8 The following table outlines the key issues for which monitoring should be undertaken.
Table 6.2: Potential indicators for monitoring issues raised by assessment
Issue Indicator
Effects of biomass planting Area of short rotation coppice/forestry planted Potential effects on key species from biomass planting – deliver through LBAP monitoring process
Regional-scale impacts of forest operations Rates of diffuse pollution resulting from forestry activities – monitored through RBMP
Incidence of species / habitat disturbance – unlikely to be monitored directly
New woodland proposals in close proximity to Natura sites – AJPU monitor through FCS consultation process / SNH HRA responses Rates of brash and stump recovery, and
potential effects on water and soils – monitored through FCS processes
Levels of timber traffic on road, and effects on air quality –monitor through Timber Transport Group and LA roads authority
7 Next Steps
7.1 This section sets out the future milestones in the development of the AAFWS and its SEA and the dates when these are expected to be completed.
Table 7.1: Anticipated SEA milestones
Expected date Stage
February 2010 Publication of Environmental report and Draft AAFWS 6-week consultation
period
Public and stakeholder consultation on draft AAFWS and draft Environmental Report
Closing date for responses to draft AAFWS and draft Environmental Report.
Analysis of comments received.
Revision of draft AAFWS on basis of consultation findings
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