Requirement R083

Requirement detail

An important component of managing impact is clarifying the presence of sensitive features. Traditional methods of determining the location of features provide a snapshot of distribution. For the majority of features, this snapshot remains representative for extended time periods.

Some features however, are characterised by high variability with spatially patchy distributions, temporal instability and/or large natural fluctuations in local populations such that they may be present at a location only for a short period of time (ephemeral). Examples include Sabellaria reef, blue mussel beds, pink sea fan and mobile habitats like sandbanks.

At present the MMO receives advice from statutory nature conservation bodies on a case by case basis. MMO can also receive or require information from developers in the form of an environmental statement or survey results if a need can be identified in advance. This generally requires reactive responses from applicants and managers.

High variability makes attribution of impacts challenging. The MMO therefore seeks approaches to provide and maintain up to date knowledge of the distribution of mobile and ephemeral protected features.

The Environment Agency notifies the public of the decision made on certain applications for the abstraction or impoundment of water.

This decision statement explains:

• who has made the application
• what decision has been made
• how the decision has been made

This is likely to cause large waves and spray which could lead to coastal flooding along the south and south-west coast.

Ben Lukey , National Flood Duty Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

Environment Agency teams are on the ground, checking defences and taking precautionary action to close tidal gates and put up temporary barriers. We’re working with the Met Office and local authorities and are ready to respond as necessary.

We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking ‘storm selfies’ or driving through flood water – just 30cm is enough to move your car.

You can check whether you’re affected at www.gov.uk/flood. We will issue flood alerts and warnings as needed, so please sign up to receive them for free online or by calling 0345 988 1188.

Environment Agency staff are working around the clock to minimise flood risk and to protect people, property and land. Teams are out clearing trash screens, inspecting coastal defences, and checking river levels.

Richard O’Callaghan, Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

We’re expecting to see a combination of high tides and winds leading to an increased tidal surge for Saturday around midday. Due to Storm Brian we are currently assessing key areas at risk on the current forecasts and planning for our response.

With a particularly high tide due in Yarmouth at midday tomorrow, we will be moving 100 metres of temporary barrier to the Isle of Wight today, ready to deploy in the morning. We will also be putting the boards into the RNLI slipway in Lymington this evening, as well as closing the gates tonight and tomorrow for the high tides.

Anyone concerned should act now and sign up to our free Flood Warning Service so they can be ready to take action if they get these warnings to protect themselves and their property. Please check your flood risk and sign up for our free warnings at gov.uk/flood or by calling 0345 988 1188. You can also get the latest updates on Twitter by following us at @EnvAgencySE.

We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and we urge communities to be aware of their risk and be ready to act.

For media enquiries, contact 0800 141 2743.

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

• Operator name: Western United Mines Limited
• Installation name: South Crofty Mine
• Permit number: EPR/PP3936YU/A001