DRAFT APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT

Transcription

1 DRAFT APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING REPORT Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management ( ) 2538_RP/003/C FRAM Section Office of Public Works 2538_RP/003/D

2 CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND PURPOSE OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE SECTORAL ADAPTATION PLAN NATIONAL CATCHMENT FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (CFRAM) PROGRAMME APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT PROCESS CONSULTATION DESCRIPTION OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ACTIONS CONCLUSIONS...13 REFERENCES _RP/003/D Page 1 Date: - 30 th March 2015

3 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background In December 2012 the Irish Government published the National Framework for Climate Change Adaptation (DECLG, 2012). It sets out Government policy for addressing climate change adaptation in Ireland, focussing on the key climate sensitive sectors. It requires that certain Government Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities prepare sectoral and local climate change adaptation plans. These plans must include a clear understanding and description of the risks presented by climate change to each sector, their vulnerability to such risks and actions both to address the risks and ensure the climate resilience of the sectors (DECLG, 2012). The plans will be revised every 5 years as new data on the nature of climate change becomes available. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for producing the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management 1.2 Purpose of the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan The Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management (hereafter referred to as the Plan ), is being prepared to satisfy the requirements of the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework. It sets out the OPW policy on climate change adaptation in relation to flood risk management, based on a current understanding of the consequences of climate change for flood risk management in Ireland. The objectives and outputs of the Plan include: A review of the existing science relating to the potential impacts of climate change on flooding. An outline of the potential increase in flood hazard and flood risk, with links to locations of more detailed data, drawing on the work done under the National CFRAM Programme. Information on potential increases in flood risk for consideration by other sectors. Policies on climate change adaptation to be pursued and applied in the development of flood risk management (FRM) strategies and measures. The plan does not consider specific locations and nor propose projects or measures. 2538_RP/003/D Page 2 Date: - 30 th March 2015

4 1.3 National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme The OPW is the lead agency for flood risk management in Ireland. The National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is central to the medium to long-term strategy for the reduction and management of flood risk in Ireland. The Programme delivers on core components of the National Flood Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The National CFRAM Programme is being carried out in parallel with similar programmes across the European Union. Under the National CFRAM programme, CFRAM Studies will be undertaken throughout the country. The outputs from the CFRAM Studies will be the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs). These FRMPs will set out the policies and potential measures, including guidance on appropriate future development, that should be pursued by the local authorities, the OPW and other stakeholders to achieve the most cost effective and sustainable management of flood risk within the study area taking account of the effects of climate change. Each FRMP is undergoing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). 1.4 Appropriate Assessment process Appropriate Assessment is required under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (EC, Habitats Directive). This article states that:: Any plan or project not directly connected to or necessary for the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect theron either individually or in combination, with other plans and projects shall be subjected to an appropriate assessment. AA looks at possible impacts on the Natura 2000 Network sites. A four stage approach is taken to AA as set out below (NPWS, 2009). The Habitats Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations) Stage 1: Screening for Appropriate Assessment: An initial assessment is carried out to determine if the plan/project is directly connected with the management of the site and if the plan/project alone or in combination with other plans/projects is likely to have significant effects on the Natura 2000 site. If it cannot be concluded that there will be no significant effects on the site then the process must proceed to Stage _RP/003/D Page 3 Date: - 30 th March 2015

5 Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment: This stages looks at whether the plan/project alone or in combination with other plans/projects is likely to have adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site. It includes any mitigation measure needed to avoid adverse effects. Stage 3: Alternative Solutions: This stages looks at whether there are any alternative solutions that could allow the plan/project to proceed without adverse effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site. Stage 4: Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI): This stages looks at whether there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for allowing a plan/project to proceed that will have an adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site. The European Commission published a guidance document on Article 6 of the Habitats Directive in (EC, 2001). Section of this document notes that it does not seem appropriate that plans which are policy statements in nature should be treated as plans for the purpose of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. 1.5 Consultation Consultation on the draft AA Screening Statement will take place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). A copy of the draft AA Screening Statement and the draft Plan will be sent with the draft SEA Screening Report to the SEA Statutory Authorities and the other Government Department and Agencies responsible for preparing sectoral adaptation plans. These bodies will be invited to make a submission on the AA Screening Statement. A copy of the AA Screening Statement will be placed on the OPW website and will be available in hard copy at the OPW offices in 52 St. Stephen's Green. Written submissions are invited on these documents until 26th June _RP/003/D Page 4 Date: - 30 th March 2015

6 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ACTIONS This Plan sets out the policy on climate change adaptation to be pursued in the development of flood risk management strategies and measures. It is a national plan, but does not identify specific areas for development and it is not anticipated that this plan on its own will be able to have significant effects. It is anticipated that the primary effect of this Plan will be to build capacity and strengthen ability to adapt well to the impacts of climate change on the flood risk management sector. The Plan will be implemented through existing OPW flood risk management programmes which undergo screening for AA, and AA where necessary. The Plan does not specify how other sectors should provide for potential changes in flood hazard and risk. It provides information on the potential change for consideration by those sectors, and on activity in the flood risk management sector. The Plan will be revised every 5 years. Table 2.1 sets out the adaptation actions from the climate change adaptation plan for flood risk management. 2538_RP/003/D Page 5 Date: - 30 th March 2015

7 Table 2.1. Summary of Climate Change Adaptation Actions and Likely Impacts REF. ACTION WHO WHEN Possible impacts (including cumulative and in-combination) effects from plan or project? Research A.1 Improve, through research, the understanding of likely future changes in seasonal and short-duration rainfall patterns and the frequency of occurrence and severity of weather storms to inform future assessments. EPA, Met Eireann No Action is for research only. A.2 Assess, through research, the impacts of future changes in seasonal and short-duration rainfall patterns on land saturation and water-logging, and resultant effects on farming. DAFM No Action is for research only. A.3 Address information needs to improve adaptation to potential flood risk futures through research on the drivers of change to the climatic parameters related to flooding and on how such changes will manifest in changes in flood hazard. OPW, EPA & Met Eireann No Action is for research only. A.4 Address information needs to improve adaptation to potential flood risk futures through research on communication and community awareness and action in adaptive flood risk management and on decision-making under uncertainty for dissemination through the 'Climate Ireland' web platform. OPW, EPA & Local Authorities No Action is for research only. 2538_RP/003/D Page 6 Date: - 30 th March 2015

8 Assessment B.1 Assessment and publication of flood hazard and risk mapping for the MRFS and HEFS for the AFAs through the National CFRAM Programme. B.2 Potential impacts of climate change on the standard of protection for existing flood relief schemes to be reviewed as part of National CFRAM Programme. B.3 As part of the review of the PFRA, assess the existing standard of protection and condition and benefits of the Land Commission embankments, and assess the costs, benefits, merits and impacts of potential responses to mean sea level rise. B.4 As part of the review of the PFRA, assess the existing standard of protection and condition and benefits of the Arterial Drainage Scheme Embankments, and assess the costs, benefits, merits and impacts of maintenance or improvement of the embankments to inform future work. B.5 Review of the National PFRA including assessment of the potential impacts of climate change to provide a regular assessment of the national vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change on flood risk. OPW 2015 No Action is for assessment only. OPW 2015 No Action is for assessment only. OPW & DAFM 2018 No Action is for assessment only. OPW 2018 No Action is for assessment only. OPW 2018 No Action is for assessment only. B.6 Assessment and publication of flood hazard and risk mapping for areas of potentially significant risk identified through future cycles of the PFRA. OPW 2019 & No Action is for assessment only. 2538_RP/003/D Page 7 Date: - 30 th March 2015

9 B.7 Review of the PFRA with respect to existing urban storm water flooding, including assessment of the potential impacts of climate change, and where relevant, prepare flood maps and assess measures, where reasonably possible, to reduce or manage the flood risk from urban storm water management systems. Local Authorities 2018 & No Action is for assessment only. B.8 Review of the PFRA with respect to existing infrastructural assets that could give rise to flooding or flood risk, including assessment of the potential impacts of climate change, and where relevant, prepare flood maps and assess measures to reduce or manage the flood risk from those assets. Local Authorities, ESB, Waterways Ireland, Irish Water 2018 & No Action is for assessment only. Planning, Design and Implementation C.1 Flood risk management strategies and outline designs for potential flood risk management measures are to be developed through the National CFRAM Programme based on the adaptive management approach, in coordination with the preparation of the RBMPs, and set out in the FRMPs. C.2 Identify, as part of the preparation of the FRMPs being produced under the National CFRAM Programme, additional hydrometric monitoring needs with respect to monitoring or assessing the potential impacts of climate change on flood risk for vulnerable communities. OPW 2016 No Action does not define any physical measures for any specific location, but rather defines design considerations. The FRMPs, and any potential measures set out therein, will be subject to AA under the CFRAM studies. OPW 2016 No Action relates to identification of monitoring needs only, and does not define any physical measures for any specific location. Any physical measures arising from these needs will be subject to AA, if relevant. 2538_RP/003/D Page 8 Date: - 30 th March 2015

10 C.3 Appropriate adaptation options for each existing flood relief scheme to be assessed in the review of the first FRMPs, with any necessary measures to be set out in the second cycle FRMPs. C.4 Decisions on short-term investment in flood risk management measures should include a detailed review and determination of the most robust, 'no regrets' strategy and design, taking account of the range of future investments that may be necessary depending on how the impacts of climate change are manifested with respect to flood risk. C.5 Proposals submitted under the Minor Works Programme should take account of the potential impacts of climate change to ensure that any measures proposed are adaptable to possible future changes. OPW No Action is for a review only, and does not define any physical measures for any specific location. The FRMPs, and any potential measures set out therein, will be subject to AA as part of the second cycle of the implementation of the 'Floods' Directive. OPW No Action does not define any physical measures for any specific location, but rather defines design considerations. Any physical measures developed will be subject to AA, if relevant, under normal OPW procedures. Local Authorities No Action does not define any physical measures for any specific location, but rather defines design considerations. AA, if relevant, (and EIA) are required to be undertaken by the Local Authority as a condition of funding under the Minor Works Scheme for any physical measures developed and proposed. C.6 Ensure that potential future flood information is obtained and/or generated through a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) that is then used to inform suitable adaptation requirements within planning and development management in line with the Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management (DoECLG & OPW, 2009). Planning Authorities & Developers No Action is for assessment of risk that should inform planning and development (e.g., Development Plans) that should be subject to AA as/when Plans or proposals are prepared. C.7 Maintain and update on an ongoing basis the National Flood Event Database ( OPW No Action relates to data management only. 2538_RP/003/D Page 9 Date: - 30 th March 2015

11 C.8 Maintain, and where possible improve, the operation of existing flood forecasting and warning systems, including the Tide and Storm Surge Forecasting Service. OPW, Relevant Local Authorities No Action relates to flood forecasting and warning systems (non-structural measures). C.9 Identify the benefits and resources required to develop, on a phased basis, a national flood forecasting and flood warning service, for decision by Government. OPW, DoECLG, DPER No Action relates to flood forecasting and warning systems (non-structural measures) and resource and staff provision only. C.10 Ensure that flood event emergency response plans are reviewed on a regular basis to reflect the degree of flood risk and/or our understanding of that risk, including the resource capacity required to provide an effective response. Local Authorities, DoECLG No Action relates to updating of emergency response plans and emergency response resourcing. C.11 The requirements for urban storm water drainage systems for new development should take into account the potential future impacts of climate change, including consideration of the use of sustainable drainage systems. Local Authorities No - Action relates to the consideration of potential climate change impacts only, and does not define any physical measures for any specific location. Relevant authorities should carry out AA, if relevant, for any physical measures developed and proposed. C.12 The planning and design of future assets should take into account, and be adaptable to, the potential future impacts of climate change. Local Authorities, Irish Water, ESB & Waterways Ireland No - Action relates to the consideration of potential climate change impacts only, and does not define any physical measures for any specific location. Relevant authorities should carry out AA, if relevant, for any physical measures developed and proposed. 2538_RP/003/D Page 10 Date: - 30 th March 2015

12 Capacity Building D.1 Promote community resilience to the potential impacts of climate change for flooding and flood risk through the 'Plan, Prepare, Protect' and 'Be Winter Ready' campaigns. OPW, OEP & Local Authorities No Action relates to information provision. D.2 Strengthen the adaptive capacity of OPW staff and partners through collaboration and training. D.3 OPW to make available relevant information for access and dissemination through 'Climate Ireland' web platform. OPW No Action relates to training. OPW, EPA No Action relates to information provision. Monitoring & Review E.1 Develop indicators to assess effectiveness and implementation of adaptation within the flood risk management sector, with reporting on same in the next Plan. OPW 2015 to 2019 No This action relates to monitoring the Plan. E.2 Progress reviews will be undertaken at three yearly intervals (end of 2016 and 2019), or as otherwise required through under new legislation or EU requirements, on the implementation of this Plan and progress in integrating adaptation into flood risk management. OPW 2016 & 2019 No Action relates to progress review of the plan. 2538_RP/003/D Page 11 Date: - 30 th March 2015

13 Adaptation Planning & Governance F.1 Local Adaptation Plans, and Adaptation Plans for other Sectors, should take account of the potential impact of climate change on flooding and the effects the foreseen increases in flooding and flood risk may have locally and on each Sector, and also how adaptation decisions taken locally and in other sectors may impact on flooding and flood risk. This would benefit from ongoing information exchange and coordination through cross-sectoral fora such as the Adaptation Steering Group convened by DCELG. Local Authorities, All Sectors 2015 and No - Action relates to consideration of flood risk in the preparation of other Sectoral Adaptation Plans that will be subject to AA Screening / AA as appropriate. F.2 Examine the options for future management of the Land Commission Embankments taking account of the outcomes of Action B.3, including the issues of responsibility for maintenance and the appropriate standard of protection. OPW, DAFM No - Action relates only to allocation of responsibilities. 2538_RP/003/D Page 12 Date: - 30 th March 2015

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15 Office of Public Works 3. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that a full Appropriate Assessment of the Plan is not required for the following reasons: The purpose of the Plan is to outline OPW policy on climate change adaptation in relation to the development of flood risk management strategies and measures but the Plan does not consider specific locations nor propose projects or measures. Detailed adaptation approaches and measures will be implemented through existing OPW flood risk management programmes which undergo AA. The Plan is not considered likely to have significant effects on the environment; therefore, an AA is not required.

16 Office of Public Works REFERENCES Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora DECLG (2012): National Climate Change Adaptation Framework. DEHLG (2010): Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (S.I. 477 of 2011). European Commission (2001): Managing Natura 2000 sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission, Brussels