SEA Environmental Report Appendix III: Non-Technical Summary The Environmental Baseline
Section 3
3.1 Introduction The summary of the environmental baseline of the City is described in this section. This baseline together with the Strategic Environmental Objectives, which are identified in Section 3.11, is used in order to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Draft Plan and in order to determine appropriate monitoring measures. 3.2 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the Absence of the Draft Plan In the absence of a new Plan it is uncertain how permission for new development would be applied for and considered. The 2015-2021 Plan has contributed towards environmental protection within Cork City. If the 2015-2021 Plan was to expire and not be replaced by a new Plan, this would result in a deterioration of the City’s planning and environmental protection framework. As a result, there would be an increased likelihood in the extent, magnitude and frequency of adverse effects on all environmental components occurring, including: Arising from both construction and operation of development and associated infrastructure: o Loss of/damage to biodiversity in designated sites (including European Sites and Wildlife Sites) and Annexed habitats and species, listed species, ecological connectivity and non-designated habitats; and disturbance to biodiversity and flora and fauna; o Habitat loss, fragmentation and deterioration, including patch size and edge effects; and o Disturbance (e.g. due to noise and lighting along transport corridors) and displacement of protected species such as birds and bats. Potential interactions if effects arising from environmental vectors. Potential adverse effects on the hydrogeological and ecological function of the soil resource, including as a result of development on contaminated lands. Potential for riverbank and coastal erosion. Potential adverse effects upon the status of water bodies and entries to the WFD Register of Protected Areas (ecological and human value), arising from changes in quality, flow and/or morphology. Increase in flood risk and associated effects associated with flood events. Failure to provide adequate and appropriate waste water treatment (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Failure to adequately treat surface water run-off that is discharged to water bodies (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Failure to comply with drinking water regulations and serve new development with adequate drinking water (water services infrastructure and capacity ensures the mitigation of potential conflicts). Increases in waste levels. Potential impacts upon public assets and infrastructure. Interactions between agriculture and soil, water, biodiversity and human health – including phosphorous and nitrogen deposition as a result of agricultural activities and the production of secondary inorganic particulate matter. Potential conflict between development under the Plan and aiming to reduce carbon emissions in line with local, national and European environmental objectives. Potential conflicts between transport emissions, including those from cars, and air quality. Potential conflicts between increased frequency of noise emissions and protection of sensitive receptors. Potential conflicts with climate adaptation measures including those relating to flood risk management. Potential effects on protected and unknown archaeology and protected architecture arising from construction and operation activities. Occurrence of adverse visual impacts and conflicts with the appropriate protection of designations relating to the landscape. 3.3 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna Information on biodiversity and flora and fauna that is relevant to project planning and development and associated environmental assessment and administrative consent of projects includes available information on designated ecological sites and protected species, ecological connectivity (including stepping stones and corridors) and non-designated habitats. Cork City supports a variety of natural and semi-natural habitats and a wide range of plant and animal species, which have come under threat due to development pressures and increased demand for new development land.
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CAAS for Cork City Council
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