SECTION 5 - Identify the Natura 2000 features that are sensitive to the proposed activity and their likely environmental changes << Prev Next >>
Section
- Use this section to create an impact matrix linking the environmental changes from the proposal to the relevant nature 2000 features.
- Click the brown ‘Select Feature’ tab to select the individual features from the Natura 2000 site that could be affected by the proposal using information entered in Section 4. Then click on the ‘Enter selected features’ button to create change/feature matrix. The database will match these features to the environmental changes identified at the Section 3 stage to create an overall ‘Change/Feature’ matrix that will go into the report and will be interrogated in Section 6. This matrix is then visible under the brown ‘Select Feature’ tab and in the report text.
- A decision needs to be made at this stage about whether the feature(s) is/are actually sensitive to the change. Therefore, not all the listed features need to be added. The text box below can be used to justify the decisions that are made.
Select Features
Path:
Select features >>
A. Select Features
Tips
- Under the brown ‘Select Feature’ tab you can click on the text to view more information on the species and habitats (currently it links to the UK’s JNCC web site).
- Once individual features are selected and you have clicked on the ‘Enter selected features’ button the created change/feature matrix will be visible under the brown ‘Select Feature’ tab and in the report text.
- To help make the decision about whether the features is actually sensitive to the predicted change the green ‘Links’ tab provides links to web resources with information about feature sensitivity.
- If you have a large change/feature it will probably be best top print out the report in landscape format in order to be able to see as much, if not all, of the table.
- See the Grey ‘Case Study’ tab for some examples
Case Study 1
Seaforth River Terminal - Mersey Estuary UK
Impact Pathways to be Included
For this study, there will be no direct effect to designated areas but the main impact pathways are from indirect physical changes to these protected areas which could occur as a result of the reclamation and deepening.
Therefore, at this stage, and pending further consideration in Section 6, all but one of the interest features for the SAC have been included. Only one feature “1166 Great Crested Newt” was not included as this is a freshwater/terrestrial species and as such will not be affected and is not listed on the underlying Scoping Tool matrices (which only include marine species/habitats).
SPA sandflat habitat has also been included. Although sandflat is not listed as one of the SAC features the indirect effects of any changes to the quality and quantity of this habitat on feeding and loafing SPA birds needs consideration.
The main generic features for SPA have also been added (i.e. feeding, loafing and roosting birds).
Case Study 2
Text to follow..
