Notice

Announcement of intention not to prepare an environmental statement: Airmyn foreshore stabilisation

Published 22 February 2022

1. The notice

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.

2. The work

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement work to the flood defences on the River Aire in Airmyn between Airmyn Clock Tower (NGR SE 72496 25530) and the access gate opposite 97 High Street (NGR SE 72326 25002), a distance of 0.5 kilometres.

The proposed improvement work will involve stabilisation of 5 areas of riverbank in front of the existing flood defences in Airmyn. This involves driving piles at the toe of the riverbank and placement of rock armour on the riverbank.

3. Intention not to prepare an environmental statement

The Environment Agency considers that the improvement work is not likely to have significant effects on the environment and does not intend to prepare an Environmental Statement in respect of it. With reference to Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations, as well as the characteristics of the improvement works, the location of the improvement work and the type and characteristics of the potential impact, it is considered that the proposed work will not have a significant effect on the environment.

The following mitigation and preventative measures have been considered:

• working hours limited to daylight hours and artificial lighting of area at night to be avoided where possible
• appropriate management plan and method statements to be produced as a preventative measure, including site waste management plan, invasive species management plan and traffic management plan
• bat activity surveys have been carried out on trees identified as having the potential to support roosting bats and ways to mitigate noise and vibration impacts have been identified.

An Environmental Report and associated environmental assessments (Stage 1 habitat regulations assessment, SSSI assessment, arboriculture report, etc.) have been prepared and are available by emailing YORKS_LowerAire@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Any person wishing to make representations in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works should do so, in writing, by 24 March 2022.

Catherine Mills
Environment Agency Project Manager
Environment Agency
Lateral
8 City Walk
Leeds
LS11 9AT