EPA – Strategic Environmental Assessment-Ireland’s

Experience

SEA - A Legislative Framework for the Integration of

Spatial Decision Support Systems and Evidence Based

Modelling in the development and formulation of

National / Regional and Local Level Plans/

Programmes /Policy

UCD School of Geography, Planning and

Environmental Policy –University College Dublin

Workshop -July 11th 2013

Tadhg O'Mahony - SEA Section EPA

EPA SEA OVERVIEW – UCD GPEP

SEA Statistics/ SEA Take up

SEA Review

SEA ACTION PLAN

EMPOWERING SEA

SEA/ SDSS/ EBM - Opportunities d

Acknowledgements:

Original Case Study Slides: Gordon Daly -Clare County Council, Sheila Downes - RPS

Simon Berrow – Dolphin Image

Outline of Presentation

Directive 2001/42/EC of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of

the effects of certain plans and programmes on the

environment.

SEA Legislation - SEA Directive

to provide for a high level of protection of the environment

to contribute to the Integration of Environmental

Considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans

and programmes with a view to promoting Sustainable

Development

by ensuring that

an Environmental Assessment is carried out of certain

plans and programmes which are likely to have significant

effects on the environment

SEA Directive Article 1 - Objective

Previously Two -Now Four Sets of SEA Regulations in

Ireland

S.I. No. 435 of 2004-European Communities (Environmental

Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes)

Regulations 2004

Now Amended S.I. No. 200 of 2011

S.I. No. 436 of 2004 –Planning and Development (Strategic

Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004

Now Amended S.I . No. 201 of 2011

SEA Regulations

Environmental Protection Agency

Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government

Dept of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources -

Fisheries/Marine

Dept of Agriculture Fisheries and Marine -Fisheries/Marine

Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht –NPWS- Architecture,

Archaeology, Nature Conservation

SEA Environmental Authorities

TranSport

WaTer

TouRism

PlAnning

WasTe

FishEries

EnerGy

Industry

TeleCommunications

ForEstry

Agriculture

Sectors Subject to SEA Requirements

SPATIAL

PLANS

EVIDENCE

BASED

HIERARCHY OF

PLANS:

• National

• Regional

• Local

SEA

SEA Environmental Topics include..

Not limited to:

Air

Climatic Factors

Cultural Heritage - Archaeology, Architecture

Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna

Water

Landscape

Material Assets

Population, Human Health

Soils , “Geology”

Inter- relationships between the above

SEA AA

FRA

SPATIALLY RELELVANT

EVIDENCE BASED

SEA Directive/ Regulations- SEA & CEA

Draft Plan SEA Environmental Report: SEA Directive Annex I/SEA Regs

Schedules 2/2B

Information to be included in an Environmental Report

an outline of the relationship with OTHER RELEVANT PLANS AND PROGRAMMES

the ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AREAS likely to be significantly

affected

the likely significant effects on the environment -these effects should include

“CUMULATIVE EFFECTS”

an outline of the REASONS FOR SELECTING the ALTERNATIVES DEALT WITH

MITIGATION - the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible

offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan

or programme

MONITORING - a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring of the

significant effects of the implementation of plans and programmes

SEA Activity per Sector SEA Regulations in place since 2004

April 2013 - 325

Total 353

May 2013: Land Use ~82%

Water ~6%

Energy ~ 6%

All Others ~ 6% Significant Potential

for Cumulative Effects

July 2013 - 364

SPATIALLY RELEVANT

EVIDENCE BASED

Total Number SEAs: 353 - May 2013

SEA Activity Spatial Scale SEA Regulations in place since 2004

July 2013 - 364

Significant Potential

for Cumulative Effects

at different Scales

HIERARCHY OF

PLANS AT

DIFFERENT

SCALES:

• National

• Regional

• Local

Total Number SEAs: 353 May now 364

SEA Activity

Regional Breakdown of SEA per Sector

May 2013 - 353

Significant

Potential

for Cumulative Effects

at Regional Scale

RBMPs

RPGs

CFRAMS

WMPs

Catchment Based SEAs

Water

30% Land Use

26%

Fisheries

22%

Opportunities for

SDSS/EBM

Approach

Some Key SEA’s 2012/2013

Land Use

• Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary - Draft Plan SEA ER

• Several CDPs – e.g. -Longford, DLR, Galway, Cork, Kerry, Roscommon

Water

• National CFRAMS Programme – X 7 SEA underway 2012-2015

• Freshwater Pearl Mussel SBMPs (27) For finalisation

• WFD RBMP Review- To Commence

Energy

• Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan – For adoption Q3-2013

Waste

• Fingal Sludge Management Plan –Draft Plan SEA ER

• National Regional Waste Management Plans – EU Directive Evaluation

Some Key SEA’s 2012-2013

Agriculture

• Food Harvest 2020 –/ Environmental Appraisal/ Env Appraisal Underway

• National Rural Development Plan –SEA – Scoping

Forestry

• National Forest Policy Review – Draft Policy/ SEA ER

Fisheries

• National Sea Food Operational Programme – SEA to Commence

• National Strategic Aquaculture Plan - SEA to Commence

Transport

• Greater Dublin and Surrounding Regions –Integrated Implementation Plan - SEA underway

• Greater Dublin Area- Cycle Network Plan- SEA Scoping

Northern Ireland

• Transboundary- Regional Waste Managemet Plans X3 –Draft Plan SEA ER & Scoping

SEA REVEW

Undertaken in

partnership with

5 SEA

Environmental

Authorities

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on

A

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ate

Ass

essm

ent

Killarney TDP

Dublin City DP

Fingal DP

Grangegorman SP

National Haz Waste Mgmt Plan

Ulster Canal Restoration Plan

Aquaculture & Shellfish Mgmt

IOSEA4

Transport Plan 2030 Vision

Water Supply Project

Shannon IRBD

West Shannon PRP

Offshore Renewable Energy

Clare WES

Lee CFRAMS

FWPM Cloon Plan

Limerick County Dev Plan

Limerick City Plan

EirGrid Gird25

Midwest RPG

Border RPG

Midlands RPG

West RPG

Greater Dublin RPG

South East RPG

South West RPG

SEA Review Case Study Review – Summary Findings SEA STAGE

PLAN REVIEWED

best practice room for improvement NA

Aspects Requiring Improvement

• 1.Cumulative Effects Assessment •

• 2. Alternatives

• 3. SEA Statements

• 4. Integration of SEA/AA

• 5. SEA Monitoring

• 6. Screening of Amendments

• 7. Mitigation Measures

Key Aspects for Improving SEA Effectiveness

and Outcomes in Ireland

• EFFECTIVE CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES

• Focus on Key Significant Issues

• CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

• TRANSBOUNDARY ASSESSMENT

• Preparation of SEA Statements –Close off of process

• SEA MONITORING, REPORTING AND FOLLOW-UP

• INTEGRATION OF SEA/AA & PLAN

• Screening of Amendments to Plans

SPATIALLY RELELVANT

EVIDENCE

BASED

SEA Review -Key Priority Recommendations

for Delivering Effective SEA in Ireland

1. Governance • Establish a National SEA/AA Technical Forum Group • Establish a Regional SEA/AA Fora -(6 Established 2011-2012) 2. Data • Develop National Web-based SEA Portal (GIS, SEAs etc) 3. Guidance • Update existing SEA Guidance • Prepare Best Practice SEA Guidance – SEA Sector/Topic/Process

• ALTERNATIVES • CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

4.Training and Awareness • Convene a National SEA/AA Conference every 2-3 years • Develop priority Training Modules on key aspects of SEA/AA

SEA

Review

Recommendations

informed

SEA Action

Plan

for implementation

by the

5 SEA

Environmental

Authorities

SEA Review- SEA ACTION PLAN

Shannon Integrated Framework Plan (3)

Strategic Integrated Framework

Plan for the Shannon Estuary

Case Study

Shannon Estuary –

Wider Shannon RBD

WFD RBD

Shannon Estuary –

Wider Catchment

Regional Planning

Guidlines

Clare CDP

Kerry

CDP

Mid West

RPG

South

West RPG

Limerick

City DP

Limerick

County DP

Shannon Foynes

Port Master Plan

2 Regional Plans

4 County Plans

1 Significant Local Plan

7 SEAs/AAs

Shannon Estuary – Environmental

Plans

Flood

Directive

Shannon

CFRAMS

WFD

Directive

Shannon IRBD

Habitats &

Birds Directives

SAC/ SPA

FRMP

RBMP

SAC

Management

Plan

Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP)

for the Shannon Estuary

IrishTimes 17.10.2011

Strategic Integrated Framework Plan

Study

Area

Longest

River in

Ireland

344 km

The largest Estuary

in Ireland.

Water body ~ 31,500ha

Shannon Integrated Framework Plan

The Vision…..

‘A Shannon Estuary that makes a

meaningful contribution to

economic, social and

environmental prosperity of the

region by optimising the

development potential of its

natural resources and assets to

build a successful and vibrant

estuarine economy and

community, which protects and

enhances its considerable

environmental qualities in a

thriving natural ecosystem’

Shannon Integrated Framework Plan

Existing Economic Activity &

the Potential for Growth…

• Major Ports at Foynes and

Limerick City

• Shannon Regional Airport

• Marine-Related General

Industry

• Fishing & Aquaculture

• Tourism & Recreation

• Renewable Energy

• Tidal & Wave Energy

• Biomass

• Offshore Wind farms

Aughinish

Alumina Ltd,

Co Limerick

Tarbert Thermal

Power Plant, Co Kerry

ESB Moneypoint,

Co Clare

Emerging Policy Framework

Shannon Integrated Framework Plan

Contraints

Mapping

Shannon Integrated Framework Plan

EU Environmental

Designations

•Natura 2000 Network

•River Shannon &

Fergus Estuary

Special Protection

Area (SPA) (boundary extended out

towards the mouth of the

estuary)

•Lower Shannon

Special Area of

Conservation (SAC) (extends over the whole

Estuary)

Shellfisheries

Waterbody Status

Biodiversity Designations

SAC/SPA

Key Environmental Constraints

Estuary are home to Ireland’s only resident population of bottle-nosed dolphins

Carrigaholt and Poulnasherry Bay are important shellfish waters for oysters and scallops

Freshwater pearl mussel the Cloon River.

Habitats Directive:

Special Area

of Conservation

Significant

National

Resource

Significant

Constraint

Management

Plan Required

Environmental Constraints

Together, the Shannon and Fergus estuaries are one of the most important sites in Ireland for overwintering wildfowl and waders, with rare birds such as whooper swans, golden plovers, and bar-tailed godwits being regular visitors, while dunlins, black-tailed godwits, and redshanks reach internationally important numbers.

Birds Directive:

Special Protecton

Area

Significant

National

Resource

Significant

Constraint

Management

Plan Required

Concept Drawing

Possible Areas for Development

Opportunities for

Spatial Analysis

of Options/

Alternatives

Opportunities for

SDSS/ EBM

Possible Areas for Development

Spatial Analysis/ Modelling

of Options/

Alternatives

Assimilative Capacity

Opportunities for

SDSS/ EBM

The Plan An inter-jurisdictional Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the

Shannon Estuary

Some Significant Outcomes of SEA & AA reflected in SIFP

Develop and Maintain GIS Database to inform decisions

Integrated Programme of Significant Data Gap Filling

SEA Monitoring & Reporting

Plan Implementation Review & Reporting

Six yearly Plan Review- SEA/AA

Continuation of Steering Group oversight

Shannon Estuary – Environmental

Plans

Flood

Directive

Shannon

CFRAMS

WFD

Directive

Shannon IRBD

Habitats &

Birds Directives

SAC/ SPA

FRMP

RBMP

SAC

Management

Plan

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PLAN FOR THE SHANNON ESTUARY

Coastal Zone

Management

Marine Spatial

Planning Dredge

Management Plan

June 14th 2013

Research Call

www.epa.ie

Assimilative

Capacity

of the

Estuary

Role for

SDSS/ EBM

© Simon Berrow SDWF

SEA

Review

Recommendations

informed

SEA Action

Plan

for implementation

by the

5 SEA

Environmental

Authorities

EMPOWERING SEA-

SEA ACTION PLAN

Links with

SDSS/EBM

SEA ACTION PLAN

GUIDANCE

Best Practice Notes

Development and Assessment of Alternative Scenarios

Links with

SDSS/EBM

SEA ACTION PLAN

GUIDANCE ctd.

Cumulative Effects Assessment

Links with

SDSS/EBM

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDANCE:

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

IN SEA AND AA - Working Draft

CEA Guidance

Ongoing – Review/ Update

Issue for Nov/ Dec 2013

SEA Guidance:

in progress/ proposed 2013/2014

ECO PLAN Developing an Ecosystem Services Approach to Green Infrastructure

Best Practice Notes - SEA for Waste Sector – Preliminary Working Draft

Best Practice Notes - SEA for Water Sector – Preliminary Working Draft

Best Practice Notes - SEA for Forestry Sector – Preliminary Working Draft

Best Practice Notes- SEA for Energy Sector- STRIVE RESEARCH CALL JUNE 2014

EPA Research Fellowships:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the evaluation of SEA Effectiveness

Guidelines on integrating climate change adaptation into development Plans &

Guidelines on climate proofing SEA

OPPORTUNITIES TO PROMOTE SDSS/ EBM RELATED APPROACH

1. Development of a Methodology For Generating And Evaluating Alternative

Scenarios For Land Use Plans –Strive Research

2. Guidance on Cumulative Effects Assessment - Updating Draft- Case Studies

3. SEA Implementation Manual for Land Use Plans – Reviewing Updated Draft

4. GISEA MANUAL UPDATE - Q4 -2013

STRIVE RESEARCH CALL JUNE 2014 –Live upto 17.07 -www.epa.ie

5. Framework for Integrated Environmental Management for Estuarine Ecosystems

6. Environmental Sensitivity Mapping

SEA ACTION PLAN

Governance ctd. / Data Collation

SEA PORTAL

SEA KPI’s

EMPOWERING SEA- Information

Central Database

Guidance

Plans/ Programmes

Interim Review P/P

Proposed Projects

SEAs/AAs/FRAs

EIAs

Env Monitoring

SEA/AA monitoring

WFD monitoring

Critical Infrastructure

Mapped information

Zoning

Designations

SACs/ SPAs/ NHAs

Shellfish Waters

Bathing Waters

Flood Risk Areas

Vulnerabilities

Sensitivities

Land Use/LU Change

Water Body Status

GIS

Role for Spatial Decision

Support Systems

&

Evidence Based Modelling

SEA ACTION PLAN

Governance and Legislation

National SEA

Technical Forum

SEA ACTION PLAN

Training & Awareness

SEA/ AA Training

Regional SEA/AA Fora

Empowering SEA in Ireland 3:

Dialogue /Fora

National SEA Environmental Authority

Regional SEA/ AA/ FRA For a (X7)

Plan/Programme

Ongoing SEA Scoping / Workshops

Empowering SEA in Ireland 3a:

National SEA Forum

National SEA Forum - Established 2011

5 Environmental Authorities (15-20)

Quarterly Meetings - Rotating Hosting /Chairing

Key Plans /Programmes/ Sector Uptake

Legislative Developments/ Guidance

SEA Action Plan - Actions Update

Empowering SEA/CEA in Ireland 3b:

Regional SEA Forum

Regional SEA/AA/FRA Forum

7 Regional Fora –RPGs Forward Planning Teams

1-2 Fora per annum

Key Updates by Environmental Authorities

Planning Authorities Case Studies

SEA/ AA/ FRA Clinics - Consultations

SEA/SDSS/EBM - Opportunities

“Don’t look a gift HorSE in the mouth”

EnaBle SEA to make more of a Difference

Engage with Existing SEA Fora

SEA/SDSS/EBM –

Potential Opportunities / Synergies Alternatives Appraisal

Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA)

Assimilative Capacity

Monitoring & Review

GIS Application

Some Areas for Application of SDSS/ EBM:

Floods Risk Assessment

Renewable Energy

Agriculture

Fisheries/ Forestry

Marine Spatial Planning

SEA/ CEA/ SDSS/EBM -

Opportunities

EnthuSE - EmbraCE - EngAge

SEA

the Opportunity

SEAze

the Opportunity

TEAM WORK

Go raibh maith agaibh.